Hybrid vigour studies for root yield traits across the environments in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.)

Abstract

In the present experiment, 45 F1 hybrids of Ashwagandha were included in relation to investigate extent of heterosis for dry root yield and its attributing characters. The pooled ANOVA depicted the valuable amount of diversity existed among genotypes for all the characters. The significant estimates of heterosis in desirable direction were recorded in 22 hybrids over the mid parent, six hybrids over the better parent and six hybrids against the superior check (JA-134) for dry root yield, out of which the cross, UWS-309 × RVA-100 exhibited highest useful heterosis (17.42 %) for dry root yield across the environments, hence, the cross may be gainfully utilized.