This study aimed to evaluate the genetic potential, heterotic effects, and inbreeding depression in F₁ hybrids and F₂ wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) populations for yield and yield-related traits. Six wheat genotypes’ crossing in a half-diallel fashion comprised Galaxy-13, Inqilab-91, Ghaznavi-98, Khaista-17, Benazir-13, and Parula to produce 15 F₁ hybrids. These hybrids and their six parental genotypes proceeded their planting in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI), Pirsabak, Nowshera, during 2016–2017, with their F₂ populations evaluated in 2017–2018. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes, parents, parents vs. F₁ and F₂ populations in both generations for all traits. The recorded maximum grain yield per plant resulted in the F₁ hybrid Benazir-13 × Khaista-17 (38.12 g), followed by Khaista-17 × Galaxy-13 (37.58 g) and Khaista-17 × Parula (37.32 g). Mid-parent heterosis for grain yield per plant ranged from -2.77% (Benazir-13 × Inqilab-91) to 15.84% (Ghaznavi-98 × Parula). The best parent heterosis varied from -8.13% (Khaista-17 × Inqilab-91) to 13.11% (Ghaznavi-98 × Parula). Inbreeding depression ranged from 8.97% (Benazir-13 × Ghaznavi-98) to 36.00% (Benazir-13 × Galaxy-13). These promising F₁ and F₂ populations could be highly beneficial in future wheat breeding programs.

Keywords: Bread wheat (T. aestivum L.), F₁ and F₂ populations, heterosis, inbreeding depression, quantitative traits, grain yield

Key findings: This study comprised evaluating the genetic potential, heterotic effects, and inbreeding depression in F₁ hybrids and F₂ wheat (T. aestivum L.) populations. The F₁ hybrid Benazir-13 × Khaista-17 showed the maximum grain yield per plant, while Ghaznavi-98 × Parula exhibited the highest mid- and better-parent heterosis. The F₂ population Benazir-13 × Galaxy-13 displayed the highest reduction in grain yield due to inbreeding depression.