Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
2Present Address: Department of Plant Breeding, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Distt. (Nainital) U.P., 263145, India
1Part of M.Sc. & Ph.D. theses submitted to I.A.R.I., New Delhi-12.
Heterosis over superior parent indicated that grain yield was most heterotic character followed by the number of grains per panicle. The yield superiority of hybrids resulted mainly from the increase in number of seeds per panicle. The hybrids were earlier and taller.
The combining ability estimates revealed that general combining ability was predominant for mature plant height, days to bloom, panicle length, number of grains per panicle and hundred grain weight, but for grain yield specific combining ability was more important. The general combining ability effects were also variable over locations. While there was considerable scope for yield component improvement, yield of hybrids can only be elevated by improving the male sterile lines.
