Scaling tests and analysis of genic and interaction components of four metric traits were carried out in the progeny of three crosses involving four strains of rice bean (Vigna umbellata Thunb). Ohwi & Ohashi). Scaling tests A and C were significant for days to flower and greeh forage yield in two crosses. Additive gene effects were predominant for days to flower and plant height, whereas dominance effects were of major importance for number of branches per plant and green forage yield. Duplicate type genic interaction was noted for green forage yield. It is suggested that the significant dominance and interaction components can he exploited through the development of composite varieties in rice bean utilizing its very high rate of natural outcrossing.
Gene effects, scaling test, metric traits, rice bean
