Transgression vis-a-vis genetic divergence and combining ability in triple test cross progeny of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Triple test cross (TTC) progenies, resulting from matings between 15 divergent lines and 3 testers, were raised in randomized block design under normal (irrigated) and stress (rainfed) environments. Observations were recorded on tiller number, grains/spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield/plant, and Mahalanobis' D² values were computed using multivariate analysis. Correlations between divergence () and progeny means showed independence of each other in both environments. The frequency as well as the level of transgression and progeny means were cross-specific and independent of values among the parents. TTC design permitted a wholistic approach to select potent crosses based on gene effects, comparative segregational potential and divergence between parents.