Combining ability analysis in multicut sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

In sorghum, analysis of combining ability revealed that in the first cutting, mean squares due to females, males and females x males were significant for green fodder yield (GFY) and dry matter yield (DMY). However, mean squares due to females were significant only for tiller number/plant, leaf length and leaf breadth. In the second cutting, mean squares due to females were significant for tiller number/plant. Mean squares due to females x males were significant for GFY, DMY and tiller number/plant. In the pooled analysis, mean squares due to females and males were significant only for GFY and DMY whereas mean squares due to females were significant for plant height and tiller number/plant. Good general combiners among lines and testers were identified for various characters in both the cuttings as well as pooled analysis. Six crosses, namely, 94001A x SGL-98-10, 94002A x SGL-98-6, 94003A x SGL-98-7, 94003A x SGL-98-9 and 94031A x SGL-98-11 showed high specific combining ability effects for DMY in the first cutting, second cutting and the pooled analysis. All these crosses except 94031A x SGL-98-9 also showed high specific combining ability effects for GFY.