Genetic Analysis of Kernel Density in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

A 6 × 6 diallel set excluding reciprocals involving contrasting parents in respect of kernel density was made and the observations in the parents, F1 and F2 (seed generation) were subjected to combining ability and heterotic component analyses. The study revealed predominance of additive gene action to govern the expression of the trait, though nonadditive type of gene action also played important role. IR 8 and IR 28 appeared to be better general combiners and can be used as donors for high kernel density. While varietal kernel density per se seem to influence the general combining ability, the general combining ability of the variety did not show any relationship with specific combining ability.