Heterosis in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Twenty one soybean hybrids derived from a seven-parent half-diallel set along with their parents were evaluated to estimate heterosis. Heterosis was significant positive for yield in 16 hybrids over midparent and in 9 hybrids over better parent. Heterosis for yield was generally accompanied by heterosis for yield components. For protein, five and for oil one hybrid exhibited significant positive heterosis ovtr midparent. In view of the availability of genetic male sterility, the study revealed good scope for commercial exploitation of heterosis for yield and protein contents in soybean.