The present investigation was undertaken with a view to generate genetic information on heterosis and inbreeding depression for grain yield and its component traits in four hybrid of rice (Oryza sativa L). Hybrids showed higher mean performance than their parents for almost all the characters. Both positive and negative heterosis were observed amongst the hybrids. The expression of heterosis varied with the crosses and characters. Two crosses Gurjari × IR – 64 was identified for exploitation of heterosis and to isolate desirable segregants in later generations. Grains per panicle played important role in the expression of heterosis.

The Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), one of the major legume crops is chiefly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. Employing crop improvement programmes is difficult because it generally demonstrations a low degree of genetic diversity. Nevertheless, assessment of the molecular diversity is crucial in population genetic studies. Hence, genetic diversity of 30 pigeonpea genotypes was evaluated based on polymorphism data for 48 SSR markers. DNA polymorphism data, revealed moderate genetic diversity among the genotypes. The genotypes were classified into two sub clusters. The PIC value ranged between 0.02 to 0.76 for markers ASSR108 and AHSSR237 respectively with a mean of 0.39.