Combining Ability and Heterosis in Early Pigeonpea Hybrids

A line X tester analysis involving three early maturing commercial varieties as females and eight males of different plant type, maturity and grain yield was done to obtain information on the extent of heterosis and the relative magnitude of general and specific combining ability. Both additive and non-additive components were important as revealed by combining ability analysis. Additive component was predominant for branch height, fruiting branches, raceme length, pods per plant and 100-grain weight. Non-additive component was more for grain yield, maturity and the related characters. Varieties ‘UPAS-120’, ‘Mukta’ and ‘S. 103’ were found promising for use in the breeding programme. Heterotic response of upto 221 percent was obtained for grain yield. The most heterotic and the best specific cross ‘Mukta X UPAS-120’ was identified as showing considerable scope for development of early pigeonpea hybrids.