Influence of Soil Alkalinity and Salinity On Estimates of Heterosis and Gene Effects Governing Some Quantitative Traits in Breadwheat

Gene effects contributing to grain yield and its major components were studied in 8 bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em.Thell.) crosses under three edaphic environments. Some of the gene effects, significant in one environment, were nonsignificant in another, indicating the need for estimating such effects in a wide range of environments. Both additive and nonadditive gene actions were found to be important for all the five characters studied. The six genotypes investigated showed potential value for recombination breeding programmes aiming to develop new improved cultivars suited to salt-affected soils. in alkaline and saline soils, desirable additive (d) and additive × additive (i) effects were found for the characters) indicated: in the crosses involving the following parents; HD 1982, HD 1553 and WL 711 (1000-grain weight and grain yield, plant);HD 2009 (grains/ear); Kharchia 65 and WL 711 (plant height and ear bearing tillers/plant); and WH 157 (grains/ear and 1000-grain weight). The six genotypes investigated showed potential value for recombination breeding programmes aiming to develop new improved cultivars suitable for growing in salt affected soils.