Gene action and combining ability analysis for seed yield and its component traits in castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Abstract

Evaluation of 20 hybrids were involving nine parents in LxT analysis, data recorded on eleven agronomical characters. Among parents, Geeta, NAUCI 8 and NAUCI 9 exhibited high gca effects for seed yield per plant and were observed as good general combiner for seed yield and most of its contributing characters and these may be utilized in further breeding programme. The cross combinations viz., Geeta x NAUCI 6, Geeta x NAUCI 8 and SKP 72 x NAUCI 9 recorded the highest sca effects for seed yield per plant. The variance due to females x males was higher for all the characters as revealed by combining ability analysis signifying the preponderance of non-additive gene interactions among the hybrid under such circumstances, recurrent selection for sca as well as heterosis breeding seems to be the most appropriate breeding method for development of good hybrids for fulfilment of current as well as future needs.