Combining Ability and Heterosis in Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)

Pumpkin (Cucurbila moschata Duch. ex Poir.) locally known as 'Misty kumra' or Misty lau' or Misty kadu', is one of the most important common vegetables in Bangladesh. It belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. Due to monoecism, there exists much scope for exploitation of heterosis in pumpkin and virtually obligatory out crossing system of pumpkin open the scope of hybrid variety development. Therefore, selection based on magnitude of heterosis more than one yield component will be highly realistic. But, heterosis along with combining ability study would be more effective for increasing efficiency of hybrid breeding program.