Identification of best heterotic cross combination from diallel crosses for grain yield and other agro-morphological traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Heterosis over better parent for yield and its contributing traits were studied in a 10 x 10 half diallel mating design in bread wheat to identify the best heterotic cross combination. Highest magnitude of heterosis over better parent was observed in the crosses K 9423 x NW 1014 (49.65), UNNAT-HALNA x HUW 560 (48.90) and K 7903 x HUW 560 (48.34) was recognized as the best heterotic crosses for grain yield and six other yield attribute. These individual crosses may be exploited in heterosis breeding programme for the improvement of grain yield and other traits according to the objective of breeding programme. The cross combinations namely UNNAT-HALNA x NW 1076 and Raj 3765 x HUW 560 were heterotic for quality traits such as gluten content, low phenol reaction along with grain yield per plant. These cross combinations may be exploited through heterosis breeding programme for improvement of grain yield with quality traits in bread wheat. Inclusion of lines with good combining ability in a national hybrid wheat programme may offer genetic improvement in breeding for higher yield and its component traits.