Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Delhi-12
A line × tester analysis of combining ability involving three yellow endosperm male steriles developed in India and male sterile combine Kafir 60 as female parents and a set of eleven exotic and Indian varieties as male parents was undertaken. The newly developed male steriles did not exhibit superiority over combine Kafir 60 with regard to the mean yields or general combining abilities. They, however, yield free threshing hybrids with Indian pollinator parents which is not the case with CK60A.
Some combinations involving Indian varieties as pollinator parents were, however, found to be markedly superior to the available commercial hybrids with respect to grain yield, but they were generally tall and late. It is visualised that some of the varieties like Karad Local, Nandyal, G.M. 1–5 and B.P. 53 may provide the basic breeding materials to derive dwarf or semi-dwarf selections to provide the necessary germ plasm for the subsequent development of high yielding hybrids. Prior assessment of the parents for combining ability before initiation of backcross programmes would enable realisation of anticipated results.
