hybrid vigor estimation in some fresh cucumber hybrids

Since cucumber is one of the most economically important horticultural crops, production of hybrid seeds is very important for obtaining a profitable fruit yield. Detecting the best combination of the parents is one of the most important stages in each breeding program. By selecting parents with high heterosis in their progenies, breeders will be able to generate hybrids with high yield. This study was, thus, undertaken to examine heterosis effect on yield, yield components, and some qualitative characteristics in some fresh cucumber fruit hybrids and to select the best cross. Eighteen cucumber hybrids along with a standard national hybrid “Guilan 2” generated by VBG Company and a standard international hybrid 'PS' were planted in the Research Field of Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran, during 2013-2014. There were significant differences between genotypes for all measured characteristics. The mean comparison for different traits showed that B10×A4 hybrid had the highest total and marketable fruit yield and B12×A0 hybrid had the greatest early fruit yield. The greatest high parent heterosis, mid-parent heterosis and standard heterosis were belonged to B10×A11 and B10×A4 hybrids, for total fruit yield and marketable fruit yield, respectively. The greatest mid-parent heterosis and high parent heterosis were also related to B12×A0 and B10×A15 hybrids, for early fruit yield and time to first female flower appearance, respectively. Since there were notable differences between studied hybrids in terms of a number of examined traits, they can be used in crossing programs with the aim of releasing suitable hybrid cultivars