Heterosis Breeding in Vegetable Crops

Vegetable  production in our country is still dominated by the locally available genotypes or open-pollinated varieties, which are low-yielding and susceptible to various insect pest and diseases.  This is mainly due to farmers' ignorance and poor extension activities.  Hence, there is a need to grow vegetable hybrids for increasing production and productivity along with quality.  Development or hybrids from the existing ones play a pivotal role not only for increasing the productivity but also helps to combat several problems faced by farmers.  Thus to achieve these objectives, the authors have made an effort to give information for development of vegetables hybrid both theoretical and practical aspects in the form of book entitled, Heterosis Breeding in Vegetable Crops.   This publication contains 17 s in two sections.  The first section includes 10 s related to theoretical aspect of heterosis. viz. (i) Introduction to Heterosis (ii) Basis of Heterosis (iii) Commercial Exploitation of Heterosis (iv) Reproduction, Pollen and Pollen Biotechnology (v) Population Improvement of Parents/Hybrids Varieties (vi) Genetic Purity Testing of Hybrids (vii) Hybrid Varieties Testing and Release Procedures in India (viii) Biotechnology and Vegetable Improvement (xi) Intellectual Property Right related Issues in Hybrid Technology and (x) Economics, Import and Export.  Second section consists of practical aspect of hybrid seed production deals seven s, viz. (xi) Solanaceous Crops-tomato, brinjal, chilli and bell pepper, (xii) Malvaceous Crops-okra, (xiii) Cole crops-cabbage and cauliflower (xiv) Cucurbitaceous Crops-bitter gourd, bottle gourd, cucumber, muskmelon, watermelon, pumpkin, ridged and smooth gourd (xv) Root Crops-carrot. (xvi) Bulb Crops-onion and (xvii) Hints for Hybrid Cultivation.  All the s cover references, illustrations and tables.  The publication also contains characteristics of national released hybrids with colored photographs.  This would be useful to teachers, scientists, students, extension workers, vegetable industry and farmers of this country.