The term ‘heterosis’ (or hybrid vigour) characterizes the increased ability or a hybrid as compared to the parental forms. The term ability means the favourable changes in hybrid characters when compared to the abilities of P (Parental) in one or several characters. The term heterosis was first coined by Shull in 1914. Generally heterosis manifested as an increase in vigour, size, growth, yield or some other characteristics. But in some cases, hybrid may be inferior to the weaker parent this is also regarded as heterosis. This phenomenon was discovered in the 18th century by Veldeiter during experiments on tobacco hybridization and later confirmed by many selectionists working on hybridization of plants and animals. The information found herein should give breeders, geneticists, and biologists additional insights into the complexity of heterosis. It is clear from the symposium contents that old questions regarding heterosis and its relative importance resurfaced, and new questions were defined in the light of emerging technologies.

Dr. Aashish Vivek Vaidya presently working as Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, SDMVM, Georai Tanda, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree from Agriculture College, Dhule, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra and Master’s Degree (Horticulture vegetable science) from SheereKashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, J and K (India). He is awarded with Gold Medal and Certificate of Merit with 1st rank at University level, in the respective discipline. He completed his Ph.D. in Horticulture (Vegetable Science) from Post Graduate Institute, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India. His fields of specialisation are vegetable breeding, crossing programs, producing F-1 Hybrids and Floriculture/Landscaping. He is also awarded as an Inspire Fellow from Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, which is equivalent to SRF (senior research fellow) of ICAR. He has membership of different National and International Societies and has published seven fulllength research papers and one Popular Article in different International Journals. K Mallikarjunarao, received his bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, V.R. Gudem, Andhra Pradesh. Thereafter he did his M.Sc. Horticulture (Vegetable Science) from ShereKashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar India. He He was awarded INSPIRE Fellowship from DST. He qualified NET (ASRB) held on March, 2014 in the discipline of Vegetable Science. He has participated and presented papers in various international and national conferences, seminars and symposia. He has number of research publications, abstracts and review articles to his credit.