Six F1 hybrids were tested for nematode resistance along with their parents and commercial cultivars for two seasons and the pooled mean results were analysed to explore the genetic potential of traits linked to specific genotypes. Nine quantitative, four qualitative and six physiological parameters were analyzed to identify superior hybrids through statistical models viz., analysis of variance, GE biplot and Wards clustering. The hybrids Hisar Arun×HN2 (susceptible), Arka Abha×HN2 and LE 812×HN2 (resistant) were found to be superior for yield per plant under stressed conditions. Higher plant height was observed in IIHR 2868 (86.21cm), primary branch in Arka Abha×HN2 (5.68) and shorter root length in Hisar Lalith (16 cm). Resistant hybrids exhibited earlier flowering i.e., 25 days and less fruit number. The susceptible genotypes expressed lower fruit number (17-20 fruits) on the contrary resistant hybrids had more than 20 fruits. The yield ranged between 667 g in CLN2123A to 1189 g in Hisar Arun×HN2. Under stressed conditions, the resistant hybrids Arka Abha×HN2 and LE 812×HN2 produced yields of 1169 g and 1153 g, respectively. Genotype Trait Biplot revealed that the PC1 and PC2 had contributed 70 % to the total variance and positive contributions to parents and hybrids were capped. The hybrids LE 812×HN2 and Arka Abha×HN2 can be well utilized in root knot nematode infested fields. The contribution of parents and its hybrids, associated traits and their interrelationships provide new dimension for the breeders to select trait specific parents and hybrids for crop improvement programs.
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