Sixty one double haploid (DH) lines were evaluated
for yield components and yield and compared with
the three corresponding hybrids from which they were derived
through anther culture. Analysis of a 6x6 diallel experiment
led to the selection of these hybrids based on their
high heterosis and revealed the nature of gene action of the
characters under evaluation. The DH lines along with the
hybrids and parents were planted following a simple lattice
design with two replications. The results show that in
DH lines the values of the characters expressing predominantly
additive genetic effects could reach the heterotic
level of the hybrids. For characters including yield showing
predominantly dominance effects, values in the DH
lines were significantly lower than those of the corresponding
hybrids. The promising DH lines, however, possess a
higher yield potential than the better parents.