Genetical studies on assessment of combining ability for grain yield and yield attributing traits in green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

Abstract

Combining ability determined through diallel analysis is useful to assess the nicking ability of the parents and at the same time, it elucidates the nature and magnitude of different types of gene actions involved. Superiority of parents depends on their ability to combine well and on the potentiality to produce transgressive segregants. Combining ability not only helps in developing improved hybrids and high yielding varieties but also aids to identify the best combiner in breeding procedure, thus it is an unavoidable phenomenon for the plant breeders. For any successful breeding programme to improve grain yield and component characters, it is essential to know precisely the genetic architecture of these characters under prevailing conditions. For appropriate breeding strategy, knowledge of nature of inheritance is essential. To understand the nature of inheritance of yield and its components, genetic parameters like gene action, combining ability are necessary. Hence, estimation of general combining ability and specific combining ability may be very helpful in selection of parents and identification of desirable crosses. In a crop improvement programme, much of the success rests upon isolation of valuable gene combination as determined in the form of lines with high combining ability.