Botany Division, Central Coffee Research Institute, Coffee Research Station Chikmagalur District, Karnataka-577 117
Heterosis for yield was studied in. thirteen crosses among seven parents in Coffea arabica L. Parental selfs and hybrids were established in 1964 and yield data were collected for six seasons (1969-1975). On the average of six yields, five crosses showed significant positive heterosis over mid-parent and seven crosses over better parent. Maximum positive heterosis was exhibited by the cross ‘Agaro’ x ‘2045’ (S. 2498) followed by the cross ‘Gioccie’ × ‘1934’ (S. 2492). The former cross gives dwarf plants which can be planted closer, thereby increasing plant population per unit area.
Comparison of the stability parameters of parents and hybrids indicated that crosses in which both the parents had above average stability, the hybrids also showed above average stability while crosses between parents having below average stability produced progenies having below average or average stability. Majority of progenies from crosses involving one parent with above average stability and the other parent with below average stability exhibited below average stability.
