Heterosis for Growth and Curd Characters in Indian Cauliflower (Brassica Oleracea L. Var. Botrytis L.)

The present investigations were conducted on 36 genotypes (8 inbred lines and their 28 F₁ hybrids) of Indian cauliflower. Significant and desirable heterosis over Pusa Sharad and PG-26 was exhibited for six and for all the eleven characters, respectively. PG-26 x D-9 showed maximum favourable heterosis over Pusa Sharad (25.37%) and over PG-26 (18.62%) for curd size index. The same cross-combination also exhibited maximum positive heterosis over PG-26 (23.07%) for per cent marketable curds. Cross Pusa Sharad x D-5320 exhibited maximum heterosis for equatorial diameter of curd (26.54% and 35.76%) and net curd weight (74.77% and 136.90%) over Pusa Sharad and PG-26, respectively. The top performing six hybrids are recommended for further evaluation over multilocation and years so as to assess their consistent performance.