Combining Ability Analysis Research Articles

Studies on heterosis and combining ability analysis for yield, yield contributing and fibre quality traits in BT cotton (BG I) (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Studies on heterosis and combining ability analysis for yield, yield contributing and fibre quality traits in BT cotton (BG I) (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Optimization the selection of lint percentage and fiber length in cotton based on the combining effects of parental forms

Forty F1 crosses obtained from 5 × 8 line by tester mating design methodology were studied. The varieties Chirpan-539, Sirius, Darmi (Bulgarian selection), Nazili 954 (Turkish) and FR-H-1002 (Spanish) were used as female parents, selection lines 449, 489, 639, 535, 550, 572, 578 and 678 were used as male parents. The aim of the study was to identify the best F1 crosses for improving lint percentage and fiber length in new cotton varieties, by applying a new approach to select parents with the highest possible general combining ability (GCA) for both traits. Crosses and their parents were sown in one row, randomized in three replications. The highest values of the GCA effects of the two parental forms for each trait were taken as “ideal” and the Euclidean distances between them and the GCA effects of the two parents for each F1 cross were calculated. Combining ability analysis of variance showed that females and males differed in general and specific combining abilities. The cultivars Chirpan-539 and Nazili-954 from the females, and lines 550 (Tiara variety) and 578, from the males, appeared to be very good general combiners for lint percentage. The cultivar FR-H-1002 and Darmi variety, from the females, and lines 449, 572, and 578, from the males, appeared to be very good general combiners for fiber length. Some crosses showed high positive SCA effects and heterosis for both traits. Cross combinations FR-H-1002 × 578, Darmi × 578 and Nazili 954 × 578 had the highest possible GCA for both studied traits and are most valuable for selection programs. A total of seven crosses with short Euclidean distances to the “ideal” population in which desirable segregates are expected to occur were selected.

Agronomic Performance and Resistance to Maize Lethal Necrosis in Maize Hybrids Derived from Doubled Haploid Lines

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely cultivated grain crops globally. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), it plays an important role in ensuring both food and income security for smallholder farmers. This study was conducted to (i) assess the performances of testcross hybrids constituted from maize lethal necrosis (MLN) tolerant doubled haploid (DH) lines under various management conditions; (ii) estimate the combining ability effects and determine the nature of gene action in the DH lines; and (iii) identify DH lines and testcross hybrids for resistance to MLN, high grain yield, and other important traits. Eleven DH lines were crossed with 11 single-cross testers using the line-by-tester mating design, and 115 successful testcross hybrids were generated. These hybrids, along with five commercial check hybrids, were evaluated across four optimum management conditions, two MLN artificial inoculations, and one managed drought environment in Kenya. Under each management condition, the effects of genotypes, environments, and genotype-by-environment interactions were significant for grain yield (GY) and most other traits. Hybrids T1/L3, T10/L3, and T11/L3 exhibited higher grain yields under at least two management conditions. A combining ability analysis revealed that additive gene effects were more important than non-additive effects for GY and most other traits, except for leaf senescence (SEN) and MLN disease severity score. DH line L3 exhibited a desirable general combining ability (GCA) effect for GY, while L5 was the best general combiner for anthesis date (AD) and plant height (PH) across all management conditions. DH lines L2, L6, and L7 showed negative GCA effects for MLN disease severity. Single-cross testers T11 and T10 were good general combiners for GY under all management conditions. Hybrids T2/L11, T9/L10, and T2/L10 demonstrated high specific combining ability (SCA) effects for GY under all conditions. This study identified DH lines and testers with favorable GCA effects for grain yield, MLN resistance, and other agronomic traits that can be used in breeding programs to develop high-yielding and MLN-resistant maize varieties. Better-performing testcross hybrids identified in the current study could be verified through on-farm testing and released for commercial production to replace MLN-susceptible, low-yield hybrids grown in the target ecologies.

Heterosis and combining ability analysis for yield contributing traits and fibre quality in GMS based G.hirsutum L. x G.barbadense L. hybrids

Heterosis and combining ability analysis for yield contributing traits and fibre quality in GMS based G.hirsutum L. x G.barbadense L. hybrids

Combining ability analysis in lathyrus

Combining ability analysis in lathyrus

Combining Ability Analysis for Quality Traits in Selected Rice Varieties (Oryza sativa L.)

Fifteen hybrid combinations developed by crossing five lines and three testers were assessed for milling and physio-chemical qualities to evaluate the combining ability of the parents using a line x tester design. This investigation provided information about the general combining ability (GCA) of parents and the specific combining ability (SCA) effects of crosses from eight popular inbred varieties. C70 was considered the best general combiner for the head rice recovery trait, while the crosses involving C70 with DH18 and CR203, 13/2 with TBR225 and Xi23, and OM6976 with TBR45 showed significant positive specific combining ability (SCA) effects. Xi23 and OM6976 among the lines showed significant general combining ability (GCA) effects indicating them to be good general combiners for obtaining hybrids with desirable (low or intermediate) properties of amylose content. The variances due to SCA were of greater magnitude than GCA for all the traits, revealing the preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the studied attributes. In all the studied quality traits, the narrow sense heritabilities were ordered as follows: head rice recovery > amylose content > gel consistency > alkali digestion > hulling percentage > milling percentage. The narrow sense heritabilities in these traits were quite low, ranging from 8.11% to 14.4%. Among the eight parents, C70, Xi23, and TBR225 were the most ideal for high-quality line breeding.

Field assessment and combining ability analysis for smut resistance in sugarcane during continuous ratoon planting in China

Field assessment and combining ability analysis for smut resistance in sugarcane during continuous ratoon planting in China

Evaluation of confectionary sunflower germplasm accessions and their derived hybrids

AbstractConfectionary sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has gained popularity due to its utilization in roasting as snacks, poultry, bird food, and bakery products. However, seed quality of confectionary sunflower differs from non-oil seed types. In the present study, 71 sunflower accessions were selected for the evaluation of seed quality traits. Significant genetic variability was observed for traits such as 100-seed mass and seed length, as indicated by high genotypic coefficients of variability. Genotypic correlation analysis revealed a positive association between 100-seed mass and seed size, protein content, and oleic acid content. Path coefficient analysis based on genotypic and phenotypic correlations suggested that accessions with high sugar content may be selected to develop superior germplasm for confectionary products. Biplot analysis was conducted to identify suitable accessions with favorable confectionary traits. Accessions ‘Hybrid 100’, ‘GOR101’, and ‘Odesskijj112’ exhibited high sugar content, while ‘Yawn’ demonstrated comparatively higher oleic acid content. Accessions ‘Vinimik 6931’ and ‘HA 305’ displayed high 100-seed mass, while seed length was greater in accessions ‘Comet’ and H. × multiflorous. Combining ability analysis were performed to assess the breeding value of accessions. ‘Comet’ exhibited the highest general combining ability (GCA) effects for seed yield per plant, head diameter and 100-achene mass; while ‘G.OR.104’ had positive GCA for achene yield per plant but negative combining ability for other traits. ‘Tenissiei’ displayed positive GCA for all traits. Among the testers, accession ‘Universal’ showed positive GCA for seed yield per plant, while ‘HA-292’ exhibited positive GCA for head diameter. The accessions with higher values for confectionary traits and positive general combining ability effects for yield related traits may be further exploited in confectionary sunflower breeding programs as parents.

Combining Ability Analysis of Maize (Zea mays L.) for Grain Yield and Yield Related Traits Using Line X Tester Method

This study aimed to evaluate the combining ability for yield and yield components in newly developed white maize lines. A total of 22 maize inbred lines, derived from various genetic sources at the Agricultural Research Station during the 2023 growing season, were used to create 40 hybrids. These hybrids, along with two commercial check hybrids (Karimnagar Makka and Kaveri Ekka), were evaluated at Agricultural Research Station. The analysis revealed highly significant differences for all traits studied. Among the inbred lines, KML-122, KML-7, and KML-6 were identified as good general combiners for grain yield and yield-contributing traits, such as days to 50% anthesis, days to 50% silking, days to maturity, and plant height. Based on specific combining ability (SCA) effects, the hybrids KML124×LM13, KML-131×LM-14, and KML-136×LM-13 were identified as specific combiners for yield and yield-attributing traits. The successful identification and utilization of these high-GCA inbred lines can significantly contribute to the development of superior maize hybrids, enhancing overall productivity and sustainability in maize cultivation. Data on twelve morphological traits were recorded, with non-additive effects found to be important for all characters.

Combining Ability and Heterosis for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Bitter Gourd

A study was conducted during Rabi 2022 and Kharif 2023 at the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore to develop 49 F1 hybrids through the utilization of line × tester mating design. The parents and developed hybrids along with standard check (Pusa Hybrid 6) were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design) and Alpha lattice design, respectively, for yield and yield attributing traits. The combining ability analysis revealed that among 14 parents, Pusa Rasdar, Pusa Do Mausami, Pusa Vishesh, Hirkani and Pant Karela 4 were identified as best general combiners for most of the studied yield and yield attributing traits. The estimates of heterosis revealed that the hybrids, Konkan Karali × Pant Karela 4 (45.45%), Konkan Tara × Pusa Do Mausami (23.48%), Pusa Rasdar × Phule Green Gold (126.87%) and Hirkani × Pusa Do Mausami (46.20%) were top performing hybrids over standard check for fruit length, diameter, average weight and number of fruits per vine, respectively. Similarly, Pusa Rasdar × Pant Karela 4 (127.06%), Priya × Pusa Do Mausami (101.05%), Punjab 14 × Pusa Do Mausami (100.53%) and Pusa Rasdar × Pant Karela 3 (97.61%) were top performing hybrids over standard check for yield per vine. These hybrids also recorded highest significant sca effects hence, considered as good specific combiners.

Genetic Analysis for Popping Traits in Tropical Inbred Lines of Popcorn (Zea mays var. everta)

Aim: Combining ability studies in popcorn to identify superior parents for commercial hybrid breeding. Study Design: line x tester mating fashion. Place and Duration of Study: MRC, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar Hyderabad, between 2023-2024. Methodology: Popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) is a popular snack item both in India and other countries, the genetic base of popcorn germplasm is very narrow, and they resulted in few popcorn hybrids. In this study, a set of 44 popcorn hybrids obtained by crossing 22 inbred lines with two testers in line x tester fashion were evaluated along with parents and two standard checks i.e. Amber popcorn and BPCH-6. Results: Combining ability analysis implied significant differences among parents, crosses, parent’s v/s crosses for all the traits indicating variation in the selected lines of popcorn. For grain yield, lines PC 1, PC 116, PC 6-1, PC 12-2, PC 25, PC 201-1 and tester CML 451 were identified as good general combiners, whereas crosses, PC 1 x CML 451, PC 25-1 x CML 451, PC 71-1 x CML 451 and PC 5 x CML 286 showed high desirable sca effects for grain yield. The popping expansion trait in crosses viz., PC 22 x CML 451, PC 5 x CML 286, PC 72-2 x CML 451 displayed desirable sca effects. In addition to these hybrids PC 5 x CML 286 exhibited positive significant sca values along with high per se performance for both the traits. Conclusion: The lines which show desirable performance for yield and popping traits will be utilized in further development of popcorn hybrids.

Combining ability analysis for yield and contributing traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes and hybrids

Combining ability analysis for yield and contributing traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes and hybrids

Combining Ability Analysis for Forage Yield and Quality Traits in Forage Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L.Moench]

Combining Ability Analysis for Forage Yield and Quality Traits in Forage Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L.Moench]

Heterosis and Combining Ability Analysis in Tomato Using Line × Tester Model

The experiment entitled Heterosis and combining ability studies for yield and yield attributing trait in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Bundelkhand Region was carried out during Rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Experimental, Organic Research farm Kargunwa ji, Jhansi, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh). The present experiment was design under Randomized block design with three replication with plot size - 3×3m and number of rows per plant – 5 rows per plant accommodating spacing (60×60) cm. All F1s (50) along with parents were raised in RBD in 3 replications and population size were 30 plants per treatment with standard spacing. All 17 parents (5 lines and 12 testers) were raised in separate plots along with a check grown in RBD in three replications to study the combining ability, to estimate the magnitude or percentage of heterosis in the crosses, for identification of the best F1 hybrid and correlation among different traits. Since, Line × tester analysis provides information of potential parents the hybrid line. The three best combinations for line parents viz., H-88-78-5, Kashi Aman, H-88-78-5 and their F1 hybrid viz., H-88-78-1x Kashi Chaya,VRT-67 × Kashi Chaya,H-88-78-5×VRT-50 performed significantly better amongst rest of the other treatment.

Combining Ability Studies for Grain Yield and Its Component Traits in Sweet Corn (Zea mays var. saccharata)

Using 15 sweet corn inbreds, a line x tester design was made to perform combining ability analysis for yield and its contributing traits. For every character under study, the interaction between Line x Tester was highly significant, with the exception of days to 50% tasseling. For every attribute studied, the variation resulting from sca exceeded the variance resulting from gca. Which indicates the presence of non-additive gene action between the parents. As a result of their high per se performance combined with high gca effects for the majority of the yield and yield contributing traits, such as ear weight without husk, number of kernels per row, total soluble solids, 100 kernel weight, cob yield per plot and total sugar, the lines L6, L12 and testers T1, T2 were determined to be the best general combiners. The hybrid L3×T1, which had the highest per se performance and sca for cob yield per plot, 100 kernel weight and ear weight without husk, was determined to be the best hybrid out of the 36 hybrids examined.

Combining ability analysis for yield, yield attributes and quality traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Combining ability analysis for yield, yield attributes and quality traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Combining ability and genetic distance analysis of mid altitude sub-humid agroecology adapted maize inbred lines for high grain yield

Understanding the combining ability effects, heterosis, and genetic relationships between parental lines would be helpful in the maize breeding program to develop high-yielding and genetically stable maize varieties for various contrasting environments. Hence, the objective of this study was to estimate combining ability effects, heterosis, genetic distance (GD) and associations for grain yield and other agronomic traits. Forty-five F1 diallel crosses, four commercial checks, and ten inbred lines were evaluated at Bako and Jima Agricultural Research Centers, Ethiopia. Significant differences were observed among environments, genotypes and genotype by environment interaction for grain yield and almost all studied agronomic traits. Combining ability analysis showed both additive and non-additive gene effects significantly controlled grain yield and all other studied traits. The preponderance of general combining ability (GCA) effects indicates the importance of additive gene action inheriting most agronomic traits. Lines L2, L7, and L9 were the best combiners for grain yield, whereas lines L3 and L4 had desirable GCA values to improve days to flowering and plant height. Among the top ten crosses, L6 × L9, L6 × L7 and L4 × L9 were good specific combiners and had 18.8 %, 17.2 % and 16.2 % grain yield advantage over the best check, BH546. These hybrids also had high mid and better-parent heterosis compared with other crosses. The associations of GD with mean of F1 and SCA effects were positive and highly significant for grain yield and some other traits. In contrast, correlations of GD with mid and better parent heterosis were non-significant for grain yield and most other traits. The results of this study are particularly useful for breeders who envisage combining conventional and molecular methods.

Combining ability analysis and estimation of heterosis for agronomic and oil parameters in sunflower

Combining ability analysis and estimation of heterosis for agronomic and oil parameters in sunflower

Combining Ability Analysis of Yield and Quality Traits in Pumpkin [Cucurbita moschataduch. Ex Poir

The present analysis was carried out with aims to estimate the general and specific combining ability of pumpkin involving six parents namely, Arka Chandan (P1), Ambili (P2), Arka Suryamukhi(P3), Pusa Vishwas (P4), CO 2 (P5) and CO 1 (P6) and 30 F1 hybrids obtained through full diallel analysis in randomized block design with three replication. The observation were recorded for eighteen traits viz., vine length, node number at which first male flower anthesis, node number at which first female flower anthesis, number of primary branches vine-1, days to first male flower anthesis, days to first female flower anthesis, number of male flowers vine-1, number of female flowers vine-1, sex ratio, number of fruits vine-1, fruit weight, polar diameter of fruit, equatorial diameter of fruit, flesh thickness, 100 seed weight, carotene content, total soluble solids and yield vine-1.. The analysis of variance for combining ability among various traits in pumpkin revealed that there were significant differences for all the traits. Among the parents, Ambili was the best general combiner for number of fruits vine-1, yield vine-1 and yield contributing traits. The highest desirable SCA were obtained from a cross of Ambili x Arka Suryamukhi for yield and attributing traits, which was the best and promising hybrid.

Testcross performance and combining ability of early-medium maturing quality protein maize inbred lines in Eastern and Southern Africa

Limited commercial quality protein maize (QPM) varieties with low grain yield potential are currently grown in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA). This study was conducted to (i) assess the performance of single-cross QPM hybrids that were developed from elite inbred lines using line-by-tester mating design and (ii) estimate the general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability of the QPM inbred lines for grain yield, agronomic and protein quality traits. One hundred and six testcrosses and four checks were evaluated across six environments in ESA during 2015 and 2016. Significant variations (P ≤ 0.01) were observed among environments, genotypes and genotype by environment interaction (GEI) for most traits evaluated. Hybrids H80 and H104 were the highest-yielding, most desirable, and stable QPM hybrids. Combining ability analysis showed both additive and non-additive gene effects to be important in the inheritance of grain yield. Additive effects were more important for agronomic and protein quality traits. Inbred lines L19 and L20 depicted desirable GCA effects for grain yield. Various other inbred lines with favorable GCA effects for agronomic traits, endosperm modification, and protein quality traits were identified. These inbred lines could be utilized for breeding desirable QPM cultivars. The QPM hybrids identified in this study could be commercialized after on-farm verification to replace the low-yielding QPM hybrids grown in ESA.