Studies on heterosis in blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

Field experiment was conducted in thirty hybrids synthesized with the use of eleven parents (six lines and five testers in ‘Line x Tester mating design) along with a check variety ‘MDU 1 ’to estimate the magnitude of economic heterosis for exploitation of hybrid vigour of crosses for higher yield and early maturity. Three traits viz., plant height, days to 50% to maturity to which negative heterosis is desirable for early maturation of crop. Based on experimental results of this investigation four crosses viz., ‘MDU 1/VBN (Bg) 6, MDU 1/PU 31, MDU 1/Mash-114 and MDU 1/Uttara had exhibited higher positive significant standard heterosis for eight yield and yield attributing traits in positive direction and negative heterosis for two traits viz., days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. The presence of magnitude of standard heterosis was higher in these crosses for yield and yield attributes. Hence, exploitation of hybrid vigour may be achievable in these crosses which might be helpful in the improvement of this crop.