Heterosis in Crop Plants

This publication contains the proceedings of national symposium “Harnessing Heterosis in Crop Plants.” Most of the chapters in this book are based on the presentations made during the event, however, a few chapters are also included with the aim to cover emerging issues. India is credited with the release of first commercial hybrids of several crops. Status and prospects of hybrid research in economically important crop Plants are highlighted in chapter 1: Advancement in molecular techniques has been of tremendous utility in studying the mechanism of biological phenomenon. Availability, management and assessment of Plant Genetic Resources (PGRs) provide platform to execute plant breeding including heterosis breeding. These aspects are described in chapters 2,3,3,4, and 6. heterosis breeding has played a significant role in increasing productivity of a number of crops. Research aspects and prospects on parental line development, hybrid development and their seed production in such crops are dealt in chapters 7 (sorghum), 8 (pearl millet), 9 (cotton), 10 (castor), 11 (Solanaceous vegetables), 12 (cucurbits and cole crops), 13 (fruit and plantation crops) and 14 (ornamental crops). There are several non-conventional crops where hybrid technology is at initial stage and would become popular in near future, have also been covered under chapters 15 (rice), 16, 17 (wheat), 18 (pigeonpea), 19 (rapeseed-mustard) and 20 (safflower). The availability of potential inbred lines is key for developing successful hybrids. In chapters 21, 22 and 23, target-oriented inbreds development for tolerance to abiotic stresses and quality protein maize are described. Plant biotechnological tools have stared playing significant role in increasing the efficacy of hybrid research at several fronts. Application of molecular markers in genetic purity testing of hybrids/parents and in several areas of heterosis breeding are the contents of chapters 24 and 25. In the chapter 26, the phenomenon of apomixes is being viewed with great promise in revolutionizing the plant breeding by fixing heterosis. Post WTO issues on IPR with respect to hybrid technology have been described in chapter 27. This book provides updated status and prospects of heterosis breedingo f economically important crop plants of tropical and subtropical countries in general and that of Indian in particular. This book would serve the university teachers, researches and students by providing knowledge on mechanisms underlying with heterosis and updated information on exploitation of heterosis.