Heterosis studies in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) for growth, earliness and yield traits

An investigation was undertaken to study the heterosis in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) for growth, earliness and yield traits, during 2016-2017. The ten lines and three testers were sown and crossed in a line X tester mating system to obtain 30 F1 hybrid combinations. Heterosis was valued in this study. Heterosis values were significant over better parent, best parent and over the commercial check in desirable direction in most crosses for growth, earliness and yield characters under studies. The cross involving KM-2 X PS exhibited maximum positive and significant heterosis over commercial check (56.96%) for fruit yield per vine and fruit yield per hector in muskmelon.