Heterosis in Field Bean

Heterosis for seed yield and its component characters was studied in 17 crosses of field bean (Dolichos lablab L., Syn: Lablab purpureas (L.) Sweet). The percentage of heterosis for seed yield in F_IS over their respective mid-parents ranged from 1–61 to 293-11 and over better parent the range was -44-21 to 166-91. Three top crosses involved low X high yielding parental lines; out of 6 which did not express significant heterosis, 4 crosses fell in low X low group. In all most all the crosses heterosis in yield was accompanied by heterosis in pods per plant; negative heterotic effects were recorded for 100-seed weight over better parent in most of the crosses. Pods/plant contributed positively to yield enhancement of F_IS followed by pod width.