Combining Ability Analysis for Resistance to Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight of Maize

Combining ability analysis of the reaction to banded leaf and sheath blight of maize caused by Rhizoctonia solani was carried out in 15 single crosses involving six inbred lines at two locations namely, Delhi and Pantnagar. Both general and specific combining ability variances significantly controlled disease reaction but general combining ability variance was predominant. Positive combining ability effects were associated with susceptibility, whereas negative effects conferred resistance. Inbred line CM104 was the most promising combiner for conferring resistance. Inbreds CM601 and CM 105, on the oner hand, were combiners for susceptibility.