Heterosis for leaf yield and its components in mulberry (Morus sp.)

Abstract

Heterosis in mulberry was studied during 2005–07 for leaf yield and its attributing characters in 185 hybrid progenies developed from extensive crossing of ‘Kajli (OP)’ (female) and ‘V-1’ (male). Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the parents and hybrids. Greater variability in the parents indicated the possibility of getting higher heterosis in the progenies. None of the progenies showed uniformity in the heterosis for yield components. However, significant heterosis to the magnitude of –56.84 to 364.56% over mid parent and –61.30 to 316.49% over better parent was observed among the progenies for leaf yield. The gain over ruling check ‘S 1635’ was observed between –68.75 and 236.30%. Heterosis breeding in mulberry, a highly heterozygous plant, offers a great opportunity to develop new improved hybrids/genotypic recombinants. Hybrid No. 73 along with 14 others showing gain for leaf yield in excess of 100% over ruling check, seem to be highly promising for future utilization