Elucidation of Genetic Mechanism Governing Heterosis in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh]

Abstract

Background: The findings of the present research will provide an indepth understanding of important parameters contributing to heterosis in pigeonpea. Methods: Combining ability effects and heterosis of crosses were determined among 45 hybrids developed by crossing 10 elite pigeonpea genotypes in half diallel fashion. The combining abilities were estimated by using Griffing’s, Method II and Model I. Result: The SCA followed by MGCA (mean general combinig ability of parents) were observed as the most reliable parameters to predict heterosis. High per se performance of parents and high genetic diversity does not lead to high heterosis. The parents having high x low per se performance, good x poor GCA effects and medium genetic diversity resulted in high frequency of heterotic hybrids. The results indicated that the hybrid Paras x PA 624 exhibited maximum mid parent, better parent and standard heterosis for seed yield.