| Spike length. Spike length is another yield component as in many cases it results in increased number of grains per spike and eventually the increased yield per plant. The most outstanding hybrid in respect to this character was LU 75 x Mexipak 65, which exhibited heterosis of 37.99 percent and 64.18 percent for superior and better parental values respectively. The average increase in spike length for all the hybrids has been found to be 21.64 percent and 23.64 percent as compared to the respective better and mid parental values. The results are in accordance with those obtained by HRASKA (1975) who reported 10 percent increase over the mid parental value for this character. Also, SINGH (1978), reported significant heterosis for this character as well. Number of kernels per spike. Another important yield component under study was the number of kernels per spike. A considerable amount of vigour has been exhibited by the hybrids in respect of their mid parental value. The over all mean performance of the hybrids has been found to be 2.22 percent and 7.46 percent, though the result of cross Torim x C591 was very encouraging, showing a high increase of 9.01 percent and 10.79 percent as compared to its respective better and mid parental value. The results obtained agree with those reported by HRASKA (1975), who observed heterosis exceeding 10 per cent over the mid parental value. SINGH (1978), reported significant and positive heterosis of 3.94 to 31.00 per cent with respect to superior parent. 100-kernal weight. All the hybrids exhibited a high degree of heterosis for this character. Hybrid Mexipak 65 x C273 showed the highest heterosis of 48.18 percent and 61.51 percent as compared to their respective susperior and mid-parental value. The mean performance of the hybrids exceeded in kernel weight by 22.85 percent and 31.85 percent respectively for superior and mid-parental values. The results are in agreement with those obtained by HRASKA (1975) who reported heterosis exceeding 33.7 percent and 10 percent to the better and mid parental values respectively. SINGH (1978) reported an increase of 5.9 to 11.91 percent over the midparental value. |
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