Combining ability for physiological characters and opium yield in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)

The combining ability analysis was worked out in F₁ and F₂ generations of 8 x 8 parents half diallel for physiological characters and opium yield in opium poppy. Results revealed that both additive and nonadditive genetic components of variance governed the expression of opium yield and physiological characters studied, former being predominant in both the generations. Among the varieties, MOP 539 for opium yield, harvest index, days to 50% flowering, leaf area and leaf area index and MOP 507 for opium yield, biological yield, NBPGR 1 for opium yield and early flowering and NOP 4 for harvest index appeared to be good general combiners. They can be used as donorsin future breeding for high opium yield with efficient harvest index. In respect of specific combining ability, crosses MOP 539 x NOP4, NBPGR 1 x NBRI3, and NOP 4 x UO 185 showed best cross combinations for opium yield with harvest index.