Genetic Analysis of Water Absorption and Volume Expansion in Rice (Oryza Sativa L)

A 6 × 6 diallel set excluding reciprocals involving contrasting parents in respect of water absorption and volume expansion was made and the observations recorded in the parents, F1 and F2 were subjected to combining ability analysis. The study revealed that both additive and nonadditive components govern water absorption and volume expansion. However, nonadditive components appeared to be predominant. Among the varieties studies, Blue Belle and IR 20 were good general combiners for water absorption, and IR 8, IR 28 and IR 30 for volume expansion. For moderate water absorption and high volume expansion, which are desirable from the point of view of consumer acceptability, Blue Belle, IR 8, IR 28 and IR 30 appear to be good combiners. in respect of specific combining ability, crosses of Blue Belle with IR 28 and IR 26 showed the highest sea effect for water absorption and volume expansion, respectively.