Combining Ability in Wheat in Normal and Sodic Soils

The present investigation revealed that not only additive but nonadditive genetic effects were also important for different characters in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Thell). Varieties HD 2009, WH 157 and WL 711 were the best general combiners in normal soil and WH 157 and Kharchia 65 in alkali (sodic) soils. Most of the crosses showing significant sca effects involved low×low or high×low general combiners. The best crosses for seed yield were HD 2009×Kharchia 65, HD 2009×WL 711, and HD 1553×Kharchia 65. They were also good for 1000-gram weight.