Combining ability and heterosis for grain yield, fodder yield and other agronomic traits in Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

  • S. K. Jain and P. R. Patel
Keywords: Sorghum, combining ability, standard heterosis, gene action, diallel analysis

Abstract

Thirty six hybrids derived from a diallel mating design of nine parents and one standard check GJ-39 were evaluated for
general and specific combining ability effects and standard heterosis for grain yield/plant, dry fodder yield/plant, days to 50
per cent flowering, plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, leaf breadth and 100- seed weight. The mean square
due to general and specific combining ability was significant for all the characters. Both additive and non additive genetic
effects were present in the material under study. However the ratio of σ2gca/ σ2sca suggested that the preponderance of non
additive gene action in expression of all the characters under study. Out of the nine parents GJ-39, GFS-5, CSV-15, SSV 84
and SPV 2113 identified as good general combiner for grain yield/plant, dry fodder yield/plant and other agronomical traits.
The hybrid SPV 2110 x GFS 5 and GFS 5 x GJ 39 for grain yield/plant and hybrid CSV 15 x SSV 84, SPV 2113 x SPV
1616 and SPV 2110 x GFS 5 for dry fodder yield/plant exhibited higher magnitude of positive significant specific
combining ability effect with highest standard heterosis and per se performance. These hybrids were also found suitable for
two or three yield contributing traits. In general, close association between specific combining ability effects and standard
heterosis was observed among the best hybrids identified on the basis of specific combining ability effects for grain and dry
fodder yield.
Published
18-11-2014
How to Cite
S. K. Jain and P. R. Patel
Combining ability and heterosis for grain yield, fodder yield and other agronomic traits in Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L. Moench]. 2014. Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 5 2, 152-157. Retrieved from https://www.ejplantbreeding.org/index.php/EJPB/article/view/105
Section
Research Article