Heterosis and Combing Ability in F1 Population of Hexaploid Wheat (<i>Triticum Aestivum</i>L.)

The heterosis, heterobeltiosis, general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were examined during Rabi (crop season) of 2013-2014 in hexaploid wheat genotypes. The experiment for this study was conducted at the Botanical Garden, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Pakistan. The breeding material was comprised of four parents (Imdad, TD-1, SKD-1, and Moomal). These parents were crossed in half partial mating fashion;thus, six possible cross combinations (F1s) were obtained (Imdad × TD-1, Imdad × SKD-1, Imdad × Moomal, TD-1 × SKD-1, TD-1 × Moomal, and SKD-1 × Moomal). A three-replicated RCB Design was used. The mean squares corresponding to different traits of various hexaploid wheat genotypes indicated significant (P F1 hybrids) effects for the characters (plant height, tillers plant-1, spike length, spikelets spike-1, seeds spike-1, seed index, and grain yield plant-1). The mean performance of F1 hybrids differed significantly (P < 0.01) for all the traits studied. Among the parents, Imdad and TD-1 proved to be better general combiners for almost all the studied traits. In regards to SCA effects, the F1 hybrids Imdad × TD-1 and Imdad × SKD-1 expressed higher SCA and heterotic effects for most of the studied traits.

Heterosis and Inbreeding Depression in Sunflower

Information on heterosis and inbreeding depression for yield and agronomic characters is essential for sunflower （Helianthus annuus L.） breeding programs. This research was conducted to evaluate heterosis and inbreeding depression for yield and agronomic characters of hybrids involving eight sunflower inbred lines. These inbred lines were crossed in 8×8 half diallel to obtain 28 F The 28 hybrids were self-pollinated to produce the F2 generation. The 8 parents, 28 F1 hybrids and 28 F2 populations hybrids were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications at two locations in Nakhon Ratchasima （SUT Farm and National Corn and Sorghum Research Center） in 2009. Mid-parent heterosis and inbreeding depression were estimated for yield, head diamete oil content, 1,000-seed weight and plant height. Significant differences were found among the parents, F1 hybrids and F2 populations for all traits. F1 hybrid means were significantly higher than the parental means for all traits. In addition, F1 hybrids considerable heterosis and heterobeltiosis when compared with the mid-parent and better parents, respectively. Yield, showed oil content and plant height showed highly positive heterosis in F1 hybrids, ranging from 14.48 to 49.45%, 8.88 to 33.22% and 9.51 to 29 respectively. Similarly, heterobeltiosis were positive significant for yield （19.22 to 49.04%）, oil content （8.65 to 28.30%） and height （2,83 to 27.61%）. However, 1,000-seed weight showed a low level of heterosis in F1 hybrids （-9.36 to 8,07%） oil content, 1,000-seed weight and plant height in F2 populations were lower than their respective Fi hybrids the F2 populations was comparatively high for yield, oil content and plant height. The cross of lines 5A×for yield （49.45%） and 1,000 seed-weight （8.07%） but low 25%, plant Means for yield, Inbreeding depression in 2A gave the highest heterosis inbreeding depression for yield （10.06%）. Based on the mean performance and heterotic effects for seed yield, 1,000-seed weight and oil content, the inbred lines 2A and 5A are suggested for the development o hybrids,