Vol. 11, Issue 1 (2022)

Author(s):
Sohan Lal Kajla, AK Sharma, Hoshiyar Singh, Mukesh Bhakal, Neelu Kumari and Moti Ram Natwaria

Abstract:
Ten wheat varieties/lines were crossed in 10 x 10 diallel cross to estimate combining ability. The analysis of variance for each environment indicated the presence of sufficient genetic variability among the genotypes. Genotypes x environment was significant for all the traits except spike length and biological yield per plant suggesting differential response of genotypes to varying environments for attributes used. The GCA / SCA variance ratio (predictability ratio) was less than unity emphasizing the role of non-additive gene action for all the traits. On the basis of GCA effects and per se performance over the environments, parent Raj 3765 prominent as good general combiners for grain yield per plant and its contributing traits in all three environments. Therefore, this parent could be intensively used in the hybridization programme for further tangible advancement of wheat. On the basis of SCA effects and per se performance the cross combinations namely Raj 3765 x Raj 3077 and WH 1021 x PBW 550 were good specific cross combinations for grain yield per plant in varying environmental conditions. These crosses hold great promise in improving the grain yield in future breeding programs of bread wheat.