Hybrid performance for yield and yield components in cardamom (Elettaria cardamom Maton)

Abstract

Cardamom is an important high value spice crop. Hybrid breeding is discussed for some time, but there is no information for cardamom. Eight genetically diverse cardamom lines were crossed in a diallel to evaluate the performance of hybrids and determine heterosis over mid-parent, better-parent and standard control for yield and yield components. The study was undertaken for a period of 3 years from 1988 to 2001 (Experiment I). Hybrids generally showed good overall performance for most of the characteristics compared with parents. Ten of the 56 hybrids significantly out-yielded the standard control (RR 1). Substantial mid-parent (MPH), better-parent (BPH) and standard (SH) heterosis were observed for the majority of the characteristics studied. Further evaluation of selected hybrids for yield and disease resistance during 2002–2007 (Experiment II) led to the identification of two cross combinations (CCS 1 9 NKE 19 and RR 1 9 NKE 12) with high yield and mosaic resistance. The study revealed that cardamom hybrids with high yield potential, desirable quality characteristics and mosaic resistance can be developed from appropriate parents through heterosis breeding. This is the first report of heterosis in cardamom for yield and yield contributing characteristics.