Triple test-cross analysis of Karnal bunt resistance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Genetics of Karnal bunt resistance was investigated using triple test-cross analysis in bread wheat. Twenty nine diverse genotypes were crossed with HD 29 (resistant) and WL 711 (susceptible), true-breeding testers, and their F₁ hybrid. The epistatic variation was found to be an integral part of inheritance of Karnal bunt resistance. Both additive (D) and dominance (H) genetic components were significant with partial degree of dominance. Due to the predominance of additive variance, breeding for Karnal bunt resistance may be successful with simple selection procedures.