Combining Ability For Phenological and Physiological Traits in Pea

Combining ability analysis was conducted in 14 × 3 line × tester crosses in F1 and F2 generations for phenological traits (days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, and duration of reproductive period), physiological traits (leaflet length and harvest index), and grain yield in powdery mildew and rust resistant lines of pea (Pisum sativum L.). A preponderance of nonadditive gene action was observed for all the characters. Except for days to 50% flowering and reproductive period, heritability and expected genetic advance were low for all the characters. Variety Batri Brown for early flowering and long reproductive period, P 388 for early maturity, long leaflets and high harvest index, HFP 5 and PRS 11 for long leaflets, and PRS 11 and HFP 6 for high grain yield were good general combiners in F1 and F2. Mean performance of the parents did not reflect their good general combining ability. Ten crosses were good specific combinations for grain yield. Best cross combinations did not necessarily involve parents of high general combining ability.