Department of Plant Breeding, Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar
*Part of Ph.D. Dissertation submitted by the senior author to the Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar.
Heterosis and combining ability studies for four synchrony traits in wheat were made under two fertility levels. Significant GCA and SCA variances revealed that both additive and non-additive type of gene actions were involved in determining these traits. The GCA/SCA ratios indicated preponderance of additive type of gene effects. Method 2, Model 1 and Method 4, Model 1 provided similar information. The array means could be used to judge the combining ability of parents. The use of per se performance of crosses instead of their s.c.a. effects is advocated for selecting best specific combinations. ‘UP 301’ and ‘Kalyansona’ were good general combiners for synchrony of ear emergence and plant height. For synchrony of grains per ear, ‘Sonalika’ and ‘UP 301’ were good combiners. Triple dwarf varieties ‘Hira’ and ‘UP 301’ were best combiners for synchrony of grain weight per ear. These varieties offer the best possibilities for exploitation in crossing programmes with a view to combining synchrony of tillering with grain yield.
