Combining ability estimates for spike characters in f1 hybrids developed through diallel crosses among macaroni wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes

Abstract

The present study was conducted to obtained information of combining ability effects for spike related traits in durum wheat and to select suitable parents and population for designing an effective wheat breeding programme. The experimental material designed in an 8A—8 diallel set to synthesized 28 hybrids excluding reciprocals. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed the presence of significant variance due to General Combining Ability (GCA) and Specific Combining Ability (SCA) among the parents and F1 hybrids for all the traits studied. Combining ability analysis revealed the involvement of both additive and non additive gene action in the inheritance of most of the traits. On the basis of GCA/SCA effects and per se performance, parents PDW 300 followed by RAJ 1555 and HI 8653 were found good general combiners for spike characters. Similarly, F1’s crosses PDW 300A—HI 8653 and PDW 300A—RAJ 1555 were found good specific combiners for spike related traits. Therefore, these parents can be considered as best combiners and their crosses are expected to be worthful for subsequent utilization in genetic enhancement of macaroni wheat.