Combining Ability Analysis for Yield and Quality Traits in Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum Linn. Emend. Thell)

The combining ability analysis from 10 parent diallel cross in wheat (Triticum aestivum Linn. Emend. Thell) showed highly significant gca and sea effects for some important yield and quality traits except days to 50% blooming. This signifies the importance of both additive and non-additive gene effects in controlling the inheritance of the traits. The gca/sca ratio revealed that both additive and non-additive gene effects are present in the experimental material for the traits under study. Parents K-9706, HD-2733 and HD 2743 were identified as best general combiner for grain yield/plant. Out of 45 crosses, 16 crosses in F₁ and 15 crosses in F₂ exhibited significant and desirable sea effects for grain yield/plant. Cross combinations HUW 520 x HD 2743, K9706 x K 9006 and HD 2733 x PBW 450 were found good specific combiners in both the generations.