Exploitation of Heterosis for Improvement of Economic Flower Quality and Yield Traits in China Aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees].

The magnitude of heterosis for economic flower quality and yield traits in china aster (Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees) was estimated from twenty seven F1 hybrids, which were developed by involving nine lines and three testers in line x tester mating design during the year 2021-23 at Floriculture unit, Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. The twenty seven F1 hybrids along with parents and standard check (Arka Kamini) were evaluated in RCBD design with two replications for different flower quality and yield traits. The results revealed that among twenty seven F1 hybrids, majority of them exhibited significant average heterosis and heterobeltiosis for flower quality and yield traits. For flower diameter, hybrid, Miraj Local × AAC-1 (32.14 %) recorded maximum positive significant heterosis over standard check which was followed by Phule Ganesh White × AAC-1 (31.46 %). Similarly, the hybrid, Arka Poornima × Phule Ganesh Purple (33.23%) recorded maximum positive standard heterosis for flower stalk length while, Local White × Arka Kamini (-24.13) has least performed for this trait. The hybrid, Miraj Local × AAC-1 exhibited significant positive standard heterosis for vase life (39.41%) and shelf life (30.41%) which was followed by Phule Ganesh Pink × Phule Ganesh Purple. The maximum significant positive standard heterosis for flower yield per plant was recorded in Phule Ganesh Pink × AAC-1 (80.90%). From this experiment Miraj Local × AAC-1, Arka Poornima × Phule Ganesh Purple, Phule Ganesh Pink × AAC-1 and Arka Poornima × AAC-1 were identified as elite hybrids for flower quality and yield traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]