Estimation of combining ability using line x tester mating design in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

The line x tester mating design was used to study combining ability of twenty-three rice genotypes which comprises three lines and five testers and their cross combinations. The SCA effects of 15 cross combinations and the GCA effects of 8 parents (three lines and five testers) were estimated. The estimation of best general combining ability (GCA) effects for parents indicating that testers, IR09N496, IR14A150 and IR16A3667 and lines, viz., Swarna and IRRI-186 were found the best general combiners and R2054-685-1-205 X BPI3130, R2054-685-1-205 X CR3969-24-2-1-1-1, Swarna X BPT3130, Swarna X CR3969-24-2-1-1-1 and IRRI-186 X IR16A3667 were found best specific combiners. The study revealed that the best lines and testers can be utilized in future crop improvement programs of rice for improvement of grain yield.