A comparative study of hybrid and inbred cultivars for germination and other related traits of pigeonpea Bharathi M.*, Saxena K.B. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru -502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India *E-mail: bharati_bth@yahoo.com
Online published on 30 January, 2013. Abstract Eleven pigeonpea hybrids and 4 inbred cultivars were evaluated to study seed germination and seedling growth parameters using ‘Between Paper Towel’ (BPT) method. The test was conducted over a period of 10 days at room temperature in a seed germinator. Data were recorded on test weight, germination, root length, shoot length, shoot to root ratio, seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index. Significant differences were observed among entries for all the traits studied. Significantly greater values for germination (99.5%), root length (11.6 cm), seedling vigour index (1832), seedling dry weight (4.7 g) and test weight (11.4 g) were recorded for hybrids compared to inbred lines. The presence of longer root in the hybrids resulted in producing lengthier roots and greater tolerance to drought during early growth stages. Thus, greater seedling vigour of the hybrids would also contribute to their higher plant vigour and seed yields. Top Keywords Germination, Hybrids, Inbred cultivars, Pigeonpea, Seedling vigour index. Top |