Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding (The)

In a study of an intervarietal cross of hollyhock (Althaea rosaeaea heterosis was observed for plant height, number of flowers on main stem and side branches, flower size and flower weight. The mean values of F₂ hybrids were, in general, lower than F₁ hybrids but transgressive segregation in favourable direction was observed in all characters in F₂ generation.

High genotypic co-efficients of variation were observed for number of flowers on side branches, flower weight and number of flowers on main stem. Estimates of heritability (broad sense) were high for all characters and high genetic advance was observed for the characters, flowers on side branches, flower weight and flowers on main stem. Days to flowering was observed to have significant positive correlation with flower size and flower weight while its correlation with flowers on main stem and side branches was negatively significant. The flowers on main stem and side branches were positively correlated with plant height whereas the correlation of days to flowering with plant height was negatively significant.