The effects of inbreeding and heterosis by amaranth (amaranthus l.) and the ways their possible user at introduction

One of the methods of successful introduction and se  lection of amaranth, which is a valuable fodder, foody and ornamental culture is obtaining of complex hybrid populations on the basis by genetically homogeneous lines. A collection of such lines was created in the Insti  tute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (over 800 lines of 4–6 ge nerations of selection). Amaranth seeds were tested for total protein composition and content of oil and lysine and some morphological and economic characteristics. The combination ability of lines was judged by the degree of heterosis. It is necessary to underline that development of synthetic populations on the basis of self fertilized lines with high combination ability is the way for further improvement of this culture.