Estimation of heterosis for flowering traits and carotenoid content in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

The present investigation was carried out at Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Heterosis in African marigold was estimated for flowering traits and carotenoids using Line × Tester analysis of 36 hybrids developed by crossing 12 pollen parents with three genic male sterile (GMS) lines. The experimental results revealed that for early flowering, hybrids MS-8×Af.Sel.6, MS-8×Af.Sel.6 and MS-5×Af.Sel.14 exhibited maximum heterosis over better parent, mid parent and commercial check, respectively, whereas for duration of flowering, hybrid MS-5×Af.Sel.16 exhibited highest heterosis over better parent, mid parent and commercial check. The maximum heterosis for number of flowers per plant was observed in hybrid MS-7×Af.Sel.11 over better parent, mid parent and commercial check. Hybrid MS-7×Af.Sel.10 exhibited highest heterosis over better parent, mid parent and commercial check for flower diameter. For fresh flower weight, hybrid MS-5×Af.Sel.10 exhibited maximum heterosis over better parent, mid parent and commercial check. Highest heterosis for flower yield per plant was observed in hybrids MS-5×Af.Sel.10, MS-5×Af.Sel.10 and MS-5× Pusa Narangi Gainda over better parent, mid parent and commercial check, respectively. The hybrids MS-8×Af.Sel.6, MS-8×Af.Sel.6 and MS-8×Af.Sel.1 exhibited maximum heterosis for total carotenoids over better parent, mid parent and commercial check, respectively.