Identification of heterotic crosses based on the combining ability of novel genotypes in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)

Opium poppy is one of the most important crops in respect to its alkaloids of pharmacopoel value and seeds for edible purposes. Thus it becomes necessary to develop varieties for dual purposes having high opium and seed yield. To find out the appropriate genotypes and their heterotic crosses for opium yield, seed yield as well as specific alkaloid and their different contributing traits, present study was conducted in diallel mating design using distinct novel genotypes with specific characteristics. The results showed that the genotypes BR-222, 58/1 and BR-005 have potentiality to develop heterotic crosses for particular traits. The crosses BR284 × BR-222, BR316 × 58/1, BR-222 × BR-005 and BR-061 × BR-222 were observed promising for most of the traits. Hybridization of cultivars belonging to distinguished commercial groups propitiates higher heterotic values in the segregating population.