Heterosis for mineral elements in single cross-hybrids of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.), a cross-pollinated crop, was observed to exhibit strong heterosis for high yield; better plant stand; early maturity; larger and more uniform heads; uniformity in head compactness; and disease tolerance in F1 hybrids. However, information on the heterosis for mineral elements such as Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, K and Ca although is not available to the best of our knowledge but it is important as it is likely to influence the plant and subsequently the human nutrition. Therefore, an attempt was made to estimate the heterosis for mineral elements in cabbage. Significant mean square for parents and hybrids was observed for all minerals under study which indicated the prevalence of sufficient variation. The parents 83-2, Pride of Asia, Red Cabbage, AC-204 and MR-1 were found to have the potential for use in cabbage quality breeding programme as they exhibited higher hybrid effects for Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn content. The single cross-hybrids, i.e. 83-2 × AC-204; Pride of Asia × C-2 and Pride of Asia × Red Cabbage; Pride of Asia × MR-1; 83-2 × Red Cabbage; and Pride of Asia × AC-204 and 83-2 × MR-1 were the best for Fe and Zn; Fe and Cu; Zn and Mn; Cu and Zn; and Cu, respectively. This study revealed clearly that none of the hybrids excelled for all the minerals suggesting the significance and need for multiple crossing breeding approaches, i.e. three way cross-hybrid, double cross-hybrid, population improvement, synthetics, composites, etc., for increasing the mineral concentration in cabbage head, i.e. “Breeding Cabbage for Higher Mineral” (Biofortification) without losing the vigour advantage for yield and other traits of economic importance to combat mineral deficiencies in human beings and plant systems.