Line × tester analysis for estimating combining ability in F1 hybrids of bread wheat

The present research was conducted so as to estimate the combing ability effects of wheat genotypes for some quantitative traits in a set of line x tester crosses developed from five parents of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), of which two were considered as lines (Anmol91 and Kiran-95) and three as testers (Imadad-05, SKD-1 and Khirman). The characters studied were tillers plant -1 , spike length, spikelets spike -1 , grains spike -1 , grain yield plant -1 and seed index. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Southern Wheat Research Station, A.R.I. Tandojam during the rabi season, 2013-14. Results revealed that variances due to F1 hybrids, lines, testers and line x tester were significant for grain yield and almost for all other characters. Thus, showing these attributes were controlled by both additive and non-additive inheritance. Line ‘Kiran-95’ proved worthy general combiner for spikelets spike -1 , grain yield palnt -1 and seed index. Tester, Imdad-05 was identified as good general combiner for tillers plant -1 , spike length, spikelets spike -1 , grains spike -1 , and seed index, while tester Khirman proved promising for grain yield palnt -1 . The cross Khirman x Imdad-05 was found as potential hybrid for grain yield plant -1 , while other two crosses, namely, Anmol-91 x Khirman and Kiran-95 and Khirman also showed desirable specific combining ability for variety of characters. These parents and cross combinations may be used for varietal improvement through the simple selection in segregating generations to increase yield potential of bread wheat genotypes. This may lead in the fixation of both additive and non-additive components, while making improvement in grain yield and its attributes.