Combining ability and yield attributing traits analysis in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

The present investigation in barley was undertaken by crossing eight lines and three testers during rabi, 2019-20 in line × tester mating design. The cross showing high sca effects for grain yield per plant also exhibited high or average or poor sca effects for yield components. This indicated that a yield is a complex character depends upon the number of component characters. Estimates of specific combining ability effects provide information on the role of non-additive and its interaction in the expression of heterosis. The ratio of σ2gca/σ2sca was less than unity for all the characters under study. This showed sca variance higher than gca variance so, there has a preponderance non-additive gene action. Among the parents, NDB 1709 and UPB 1077 found good general combiner for number of grain per spike and grain yield per plant. While, DWRB 203 found good general combiner for days to heading and days to maturity.