Exploitation of Heterobeltiosis and Economic Heterosis for Horticultural Yield, and its Attributes and Biochemical Traits in Pumpkin ( Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex. Poir) under Salt Affected Soil

Pumpkin crop can be improved by exploitation of heterosis. This study was carried out during three different seasons, Kharif, 2015 (E₁), Rabi 2015-16 (E₂) and summer-season, 2016 (E₃) in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. The objective was to find out the magnitude of heterobeltiosis, economic heterosis and suitable cross-combination for higher quality fruit yield in pumpkin. Fifteen F₁ hybrids were developed through diallel mating design of six parental lines excluding reciprocals. The evolution of hybrids revealed significant heterobeltiosis as well as economic heterosis for all the traits in all three seasons independently (E₁, E₂ and E₃) and combined. Crosses P₁ x P₅, P₄ x P₆ and P₁ x P₂ may be exploited as commercial hybrids for profitable yield in pumpkin. Significant heterobeltiosis and economic heterosis indicates the importance of heterosis breeding for the developing high yield hybrids.