Analysis of combining ability and gene action studies for grain yield and its component traits in bread wheat utilizing line x tester mating design

Abstract

The present research investigation was conducted in order to analyze combining ability and nature of gene actions in 33 F1s of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) developed by crossing eleven lines with three testers in a line x tester mating design in terms of grain yield and associated traits. The hybrids along with the parental lines and two check varieties were planted in a randomized block design in three replications. Variance ratio between general and specific combining ability was found to be less than unity which indicated the prevalence of non-additive gene actions involved in the inheritance of these characters. Parental lines QLD 75 (3.164), followed by SOKOLL (2.888) and QLD 65 (2.819) exhibited significant GCA for grain yield, while another line PRL/2*PASTOR*2//FH6-1-7/3/KINGBIRD#1//… was observed to be the better general combiner for most other traits including maturity. Among the hybrids cross combination NAC/TH.AC//3*PVN/3/MIRLO/BUC/4/2*PASTOR/5/…x HD 3237 showed significant higher positive SCA for grain yield and biological yield per plant, whereas, F1 QLD 75 x HI 1621was a good specific combiner for harvest index (%) and number of grains per spike. The cross combination VORB/4/D67.2/PARANA66.270 x PBW 725 was observed with significant higher positive SCA for days to 75% heading, days to maturity and plant height, and another hybrid VORB/4/D67.2/PARANA 66.270 x HI 1621 exhibited significant positive SCA for 1000 grain weight and spike length.