Heterosis in rice hybrids

Summary

One hundred and thirtysix hybrids were developed utilizing four cytoplasmic genetic male sterile lines (V 20A, Zhen Shan 97A, IR 46829A and IR 46830A) and 34 effective restorers. Heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis were found to be significant for grain yield and other yield attributing characters in most of the hybrids. The heterosis for grain yield was mainly due to the significant heterosis for the number of spikelets per panicle, test weight and total dry matter accumulation. Interestingly, it was found that most of the higher yielding hybrids were accompanied by significant negative heterosis for harvest index. Hybrids shorter than the shortest parent and earlier than the earliest parent were not observed; hybrids with intermediate to tall plant height having nonlodging habit could be developed. Eighteen hybrids gave more than 20% grain yield than the standard checks. These were evaluated for their stable and consistent yield performance over four seasons. The results on analysis for stability parameters indicated that the hybrids V 20A × Himdhan and Zhen Shan 97A × Mahsuri were stable over environments.