Heterosis for heat tolerance, protein content, yield and yield components in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Morpho-physiologically diverse seven varieties of wheat Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) were grown alongwith their hybrid combinations in a randomised block design with the three replications. Significant heterosis over better parent was observed for grain yield, heat injury, chlorophyll content and stomatal frequency. There was significant positive heterosis for protein content, however such crosses having high protein content were relatively low grain yielders. The cross Hindi 62 x Ajantha exhibited significant heterosis over mid and better parent (Hindi 62) for heat injury and grain yield per plant.