Diallel analysis for combining ability for grain yield and its components in barley

Combining ability analysis was undertaken in 10 x 10 half diallel progenies of barley for grain yield and its component characters in both F₁ and F₂ generations. Both additive and nonac!ditive gene actions were important in controlling the inheritance of all the traits. However, additive gene action was predominant. The parents BG 105, DL 88, and DL 165 were the best general combiners for grain yield and average to high combiners for other important traits. The best specific crosses for grain yield were BG 105 X RO 728, BL2 X BG 105, DL 100 X DL 88 and DL 165 X DL 88, involving parents with medium X high and high X high general combiners. Exploitation of additive and nonadditive gene actions through biparental mating and/or diallel selective mating systems is suggested.