Combining ability studies for yield and its component traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Combining ability for yield and its traits was studied in twenty three genotypes of rice consisting of 15 F₁ hybrids and their eight parents. The analysis revealed significant differences for general and specific combining ability effects indicating the presence of both additive and non-additive gene effects for grain yield and its component traits. Parents Narendra 359, lET 1410 and lR 72 were good general combiners for grain yield and a number of component traits. Crosses, having high specific combining ability for yield and other component traits, involved low and high combining ability parents indicating the predominance of non-additive gene effects. To improve yield and components traits, both additive and non-additive gene effects are needed to be exploited through a combination of breeding strategies such as pure lines, biparental mating and heterosis breeding.