Estimation of Heterosis in Hybrid Seedlings of Drumstick (Moringa oleifera)

Author: Manju A., Sindhumole P., Jiji Joseph, Pradheep K., Sangeeta Kutty M. and Seeja Thomachan Panjikkaran

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Abstract

Two hybrid seedlings of drumstick (Moringa oleifera) derived from two crosses between Jaffna and PKM1 (MF1H1) and IC632344 and PKM1 (MF1H2) were evaluated for juvenile growth and nutrient content to study the heterosis (hybrid vigor) at College of Agriculture, Kerala agricultural University, Trissur during 2022-2023. Positive heterosis was evident in both the hybrids for seedling height, root collar girth, number of live leaves, stem volume index, dry recovery of leaf and beta-carotene. Also they marked superiority over parents and check variety in case of short intermodal length. Specifically noted the positive heterosis of MF1H1 for Seedling vigour index as well as iron content and MF1H2 for protein content. Regarding the seed germination and vit. C content, both hybrids noted for inferior to the parents and check variety. The heterotic advantages emphasize the potential of harnessing hybrid vigor through hybridisation for the genetic improvement of drumstick.

Keywords

Moringa oleifera, hybrid, heterosis, germination, growth, biochemical

Conclusion

The evaluation of two hybrid drumstick seedlings, resulting from crosses between Jaffna and PKM1 (MF1H1) and IC632344 and PKM1 (MF1H2) revealed significant insights into the phenomenon of heterosis. In the analysis of initial growth and biochemical parameters, the hybrids expressed superiority over parents for majority of the characters like seedling height, root collar girth, live leaf count, stem volume index, dry leaf recovery, and beta-carotene content. Specifically, the hybrid MF1H1 displayed noteworthy heterosis in terms of Seedling Vigor Index and iron content, while MF1H2 exhibited such enhancement in protein content. However, with respect to seed germination and vitamin C content, both hybrids displayed inferior performance compared to their parent plants and the check variety. These findings collectively emphasize the potential of harnessing hybrid vigor through heterosis breeding for the genetic improvement of drumstick varieties, as well as the necessity for further research to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms driving these observed variations.

References

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How to cite this article

Manju A., Sindhumole P., Jiji Joseph, Pradheep K., Sangeeta Kutty M. and Seeja Thomachan Panjikkaran (2023). Estimation of Heterosis in Hybrid Seedlings of Drumstick (Moringa oleifera). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 424-428.