Hybrid vigour and inbreeding depression analysis for seed yield and its related attributes in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.).

The present study was conducted to decipher the genetic information on heterosis and inbreeding depression for seed yield and its contributing characters in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). The cross, JMU-1339 x NARI-6, showed a positive and significant relative heterosis, standard heterosis and heterobeltiosis for seed yield per plant while, the cross, JMU-1339 x EC-757665, exhibited positive and significant relative heterosis and heterobeltiosis along with negative standard heterosis. The cross, JMU-1339 x NARI-6, noted significant desirable heterosis for other yield contributing traits viz., the number of branches, the number of capitulum and the number of seeds per capitulum and also exhibited positive significant inbreeding depression for these characters. The cross, JMU-1339 x EC-757665, showed desirable heterosis for the number of branches, the number of seeds per capitulum and test weight with positive significant inbreeding depression for these characters. Heterosis in the cross, JMU-1339 x NARI-6, was highly significant indicating its usefulness in the direct release as a variety after thorough testing over locations. The cross, JMU-1339 x EC-757665, exhibited a significant positive heterotic value for test weight and oil content revealing its usefulness in breeding programmes to enhance this trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]