Search

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Combining ability of nine sunflower inbreds (four cytoplasmic male sterile lines and five restorers) was tested in line x tester mating design. The material including parents and cross combinations were evaluated for nine agro-biochemical parameters. The inbreds viz., 67A and 47R were identified as good general combiners for seed yield and oil yield, 88A, 89A, 47R and GMU 1080 were identified as good general combiners for oil content and 67A, 179R and GMU 1080 exhibited good general combining ability for early maturity. Similarly, highest significant positive specific combining ability effects for seed yield were observed for crosses 38A x 179R followed by 89A x 179R and 88A x 159R. On the basis of positive significant SCA effects for oil percent the crosses 67A x GMU 1080, 89A x 159R and 88A x 150R were found to be superior. All the traits exhibited non-additive gene action and the proportional contribution to variability was maximum by crosses except for seed yield where lines contributed more towards variability. The crosses 67A x 47R, 89A x 179R, 38A x 179R and 88A x 150R recorded maximum average heterosis for seed and oil yield and the cross combinations 67A x 47R, 88A x 150R and 67A x GMU 1080 revealed maximum heterosis against better parent also for the above traits.

Development of rice genotypes possessing high yielding potential; with increased grain iron content is the need of the hour to tackle hidden hunger. Considering the above said fact, genetical analysis was conducted in six improved cultivars along with 15 potential crosses thereof. Analysis of variance for combining ability revealed significant differences in GCA and SCA variances for grain yield as well as for iron and zinc content, indicating the possibility of realization of development of iron fortified varieties with higher yielding potential. The preponderance of additive gene action for these two important characters i.e., iron and zinc content indicate that selection will be highly rewarding for genetic improvement pertaining to these two traits. The genotype Gouri was found to be very good combiner for both grain yield (0.93) and iron content of grain (2.04). Similarly, genotype Sebati was found as a very good combiner for both grain yield (0.13) and zinc content of grain (0.65). Some of the superior crosses identified concerning both grain yield and grain iron content were Birupa / Pradeep, Sebati / Gouri, Sebati / Pratap, Gouri / Pradeep and Pratap / Pradeep. Hence, these specific crosses can be used in further breeding programme for the improvement of both grain yield as well as grain iron content. The crosses viz., Bhanja / Pratap and Bhanja / Sebati were found to be superior crosses for both grain yield and grain zinc content.

Line × Tester analysis was carried out in a set of 20 crosses developed using five lines and four testers to ascertain the nature of gene action and combining ability of parents for yield, yield attributes and quality traits in groundnut. The estimates of GCA and SCA variance indicated the predominance of non-additive gene action for the inheritance of all the traits except SCMR at 60 DAS. The parents TCGS 1694, TCGS 1862, Kadiri-6 and TCGS 2251 were identified as good general combiners which could be further used in breeding programmes for yield improvement. The cross, Kadiri-6 × TCGS 1862 exhibited desirable sca effects for days to maturity, number of secondary branches plant-1, number of pods plant-1, number of mature pods plant-1 and kernel yield plant-1, while the cross Narayani × TCGS 2251 was found to be a good combiner with high sca effects for earliness (days to flowering and days to maturity).These two combinationshad either low × high or high × medium gca parents indicating the involvement of both additive and non-additive gene action.

Combining ability is a useful tool for choosing appropriate parents, while an understanding of the nature of gene action can help develop effective crop improvement initiatives. In order to study if genetic diversity affects hybrid vigour, 50 hybrids were generated by crossing five pistillate lines with ten testers and experimented across two replications during the 2020–21 kharif. Genetic divergence was evaluated as Mahalanobis distance among all potential pairs of lines and testers and also in relation to combining ability. Hybrids were classified into four divergent classes using statistics like distance (D2), overall gca effects among parents, overall sca effects, and midparent heterotic status across crosses. Genetic diversity studies revealed the that parents to be used in hybridization programmes should be moderately divergent, to derive crosses with high better parent heterosis. Hybrids, viz., MCP-1 × ICS-240, MCP-1 × RG-2787, MCP-1 × RG-3160, YRCP-1 × ICS-258, and DPC-22 × RG-2787, were identified as superior to standard checks for economically important traits. Superior male and female base populations can be created through random mating of lines and testers with high breeding values, such as DPC-22, MCP-1, ICP-30, RG-2787, RG-3160, RG-72, and YRC-1904, respectively.

Prolonged crop duration (150-210 days) and tall plant height (>100 cm) of castor either hinders its adaptability to newer and niche areas or fitting into the cropping sequence of conventional castor growing areas. The present study aims at evaluating male lines for their agro-morphological characters, combining ability for seed yield, yield components and resistance to Fusarium wilt. Node number to primary, first and second order of secondary (P, S1 and S2) racemes were taken as indicators of flowering and maturity duration of male lines while data on plant height up to primary spike was recorded for plant stature. Twenty-six improved monoecious lines were evaluated for their agro-morphological characters in an ARBD design along with three checks replicated five times during 2017-18 kharif season. Simultaneously all the 26 lines were screened for wilt resistance in wilt sick plot in two replications. Nineteen monoecious lines were resistant to wilt (0-20% wilt incidence) while four lines were moderately resistant to wilt (20-30%). Four lines viz., ICS-121, ICS-150, ICS-127 and ICS-139 were promising with significantly low node number to P, S1 and S2 order of racemes compared to early maturing check, DCS-9 (12.1, 5.8, 4.9). Eight male lines were significantly shorter than the very tall type checks, 48-1 and DCS-107 (>85 cm) while ICS-121 (57.5 cm) was on par with the medium statured check, DCS-9 (59.7 cm). Fifteen hybrids, generated by crossing three pistillate lines and five selected wilt resistant male lines in a line x tester design were evaluated along with eight parents and two hybrid checks during 2019-20 kharif season. SKP-84 (pistillate line) and ICS-139 (male line) were identified as good combiners for seed yield and majority of the yield components.

The purpose of this research was to examine the extent of heterosis in 21crosses of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). These hybrids originated from a line x tester mating scheme in which seven lines were crossed with three testers. Combining ability analysis revealed that the parental lines HP-25 and HD-3086 performed well for grain yield, while HP-24, HP-22, and HP-06 were observed to be better for other qualities that contribute to yield. Significantly higher positive Specific Combining Ability (SCA) for grain yield per plant was observed for the crosses HP-22 x JAUW-683, HP-44 x HD-3086, and HP-45 x RSP-561 suggesting the role of non-additive gene action. The ratio of variances was observed to be less than unity indicating the presence of non-additive genetic effects in these cross combinations. In terms of heterotic impacts on grain yield, yield contributors, and morpho-physiological features, HP-06 x RSP-561 was shown to be the best combination.

The study was conducted to estimate the magnitude of heterosis and combining ability effects in groundnut for yield attributing traits. Fifty-six F1 hybrids developed through Line × Tester mating fashion were evaluated along with the parents in RCBD with two replicates during kharif-2022. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the studied traits. The hybrids K 6 × ICGV 15402, VRI 10 × ICGV 15402, VRI 10 × ICGV 15426 exhibited positive heterosis for traits number of primary branches, pods/plant, kernel yield, 100 kernel weight and shelling percentage. Significant negative heterosis was observed for plant height in these crosses namely, CO 7 × ICGV 15412, VRI 7 × ICGV 15408 and VRI 8 × ICGV 15402. The study recorded significantly higher SCA variances compared to GCA variances, indicating a predominant role of non-additive gene action for all the traits studied. Line VRI 7 showed significant gca effects for all the traits except shelling % and hundred kernel weight and was identified as a best general combiner. The hybrids VRI 8 × ICGV15426 and VRI 7 × ICGV15402 revealed superior performance in terms of pod yield per plant. Notably, the cross VRI 7 × ICGV15402 exhibited outstanding performance across all traits, highlighting the prominence of a parent with strong SCA. Pod yield was significantly correlated with kernel yield/plant and sound mature kernel. Path analysis highlighted the direct and indirect effects of traits on pod yield, emphasizing the importance of kernel yield and sound mature kernel. This study underscores the utility of heterosis breeding in improving groundnut for enhanced yield and suggests specific parent combinations for future breeding.

Abstract Background The production of high‐oil‐yielding hybrid varieties is a primary objective in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) breeding programs. Biometric genetic experiments such as line × tester provide valuable insights into the genetic structure of traits associated with high oil yield. Methods In this study, 21 winter hybrids of oilseed rape were evaluated, which were generated by crossing three restorers with seven CMS lines. The experiment was conducted using a line × tester experiment based on a completely randomized block design. Phenological, agronomic, yield, and oil yield components were assessed in this study. The ideal genotype selection index (SIIG) methodology was also employed to identify superior hybrids based on all studied traits simultaneously. Results Significant differences were observed between the obtained hybrids and the check cultivars. Heritability analysis revealed that phenological traits were primarily controlled by additive effects, while agronomic and qualitative traits were mainly influenced by non‐additive gene effects. Both broad‐sense and narrow‐sense heritability exhibited a wide range, underscoring the importance of genetic variance. Notably, the hybrids T1 × L5, T1 × L6, and T3 × L1 showed significant specific combining ability values of 394.74, 541.73, and 1236.79, respectively, making them the top specific combinations for increasing seed yield. Based on the SIIG index, hybrids T3 × L1, T1 × L5, T1 × L3, and T2 × L3 emerged as high‐oil‐yielding hybrids with desirable agronomic traits. Conclusions The identified superior hybrids by line × tester and SIIG approaches hold promise for the development of high‐yielding oilseed rape cultivars with desirable agronomic traits in oilseed rape breeding programs.

Soil acidity is one of the most important constraints to maize production in Angola, where both yellow and white maize is essential for food and feed requirements. In this study, four yellow acid soil tolerant donor lines from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT)—Colombia were crossed with ten yellow elite lines adapted to the mid-altitude climatic conditions developed by CIMMYT—Zimbabwe, in order to identify donor lines, which can be potential sources of acid tolerance genes in breeding programs in Angola and within the mid-altitude climatic zones. The two groups of parents were crossed using a line by tester mating design, yielding 36 crosses with sufficient seed, which were evaluated alongside six acid tolerant commercial hybrids, during the 2014–16 cropping seasons at nine sites, representing acid and non-acid soils in Angola and Zimbabwe. A significant (p < 0.05) line and line × tester effect for grain yield performance was observed across acid and non-acid conditions. Acid tolerance donor lines CY3 and CY1 showed the highest positive GCA effects for grain yield. In addition, crosses involving these two donor lines had the best yielding ability and stability under both acid and non-acid conditions. For instance, the crosses CH142464 (ZY2 × CY3) and, CH142447 (ZY2 × CY1) were the best combinations for grain yield performance under both acid and non-acid soil conditions, and were stable compared to the commercial check hybrids. Crosses involving the acid tolerant donor lines mostly flowered earlier than the commercial checks. Overall, the data showed the potential of tropically-adapted exotic yellow maize acid tolerance donor lines in improving productivity of sub-tropical maize under both low-pH and well-managed soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is among the leading vegetables in Kenya that is mainly grown for export with the potential to increase household income. There are few programs in Kenya that focus on breeding new cultivars for increased production. The development of snap bean varieties that are resilient to the changing climate is crucial for sustainable agriculture in Kenya. To achieve this, knowledge of gene action, trait expression, and heritability is vital in effective breeding for quantitative traits like pod quality and yield. A study was conducted to investigate the inheritance of pod quality and yield traits in snap beans, which can inform the breeding of snap beans. A half diallel cross involving two indeterminate dry beans (G2333 and MCM 5001) and five determinate snap beans (Amy, Moonstone, Seagull, Serengeti and Vanilla) varieties was conducted. Data on pod traits (pod weight per plant, pod number per plant, pod length, pod diameter, pod wall fiber and pod suture string) were collected from 21 F1s and 7 parents grown in two locations (Embu and Kirinyaga Counties) in Kenya. The results showed significant genotypic and environmental effects (P < 0.001) for all traits, with significant genotype by environment (G × E) interactions for most traits. Additionally, general combining abilities (GCA) and specific combining abilities (SCA) were significant for all traits evaluated. The significance of GCA and SCA indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene effects in controlling the traits, although the additive gene effects were predominant. The study revealed that Vanilla and Serengeti had the highest GCA estimate for pod quality traits, while G2333 and MCM5001 had the highest GCA estimate for pod yield traits. Snap bean pod yield and quality are quantitative traits controlled by multiple genes and influenced by the environment. Therefore, the predominance of additive gene effects suggests that selection for these traits in segregating generations could yield satisfactory gains. The results of this study could impact the development of snap bean varieties that are more resilient to the effects of climate change. Thus, improving the sustainability and productivity of the agriculture sector in Kenya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A half-diallel cross study of seven melon inbred lines was carried out. The seven parents and their 21 F1 hybrids were evaluated for precocity of maturity, average weight per fruit, and fruit quality (fruit size, rind thickness, and soluble solids). The Diallel analysis was investigated for breeding values of these melon genotypes via general and specific combining ability, relationships between general and specific combining ability, and heterosis for the evaluated traits. The analysis of variance of the traits evaluated indicated highly significant differences among genotypes, suggesting the presence of adequate genetic variation for breeding. Additive genetic effects were most important with respect to fruit weight, while genetic dominance and epistasis effects mainly controlled fruit quality traits (fruit size, rind thickness, and TSS). Parent 1 (P1) and parent 3 (P3) had significant positive general combining ability effects for fruit weight. Also, P3 had positive general combining ability effects for fruit length and diameter, and cavity diameter. P3 was found to show maximum significant GCA in the desirable direction for all the traits except for TSS. Evaluation of heterosis (%) revealed that hybrid P1 × P3 can be considered as the best-performing hybrid for average fruit weight, TSS, and precocity, which also exhibited the highest positive and significant SCA effect for these traits. These results suggested that, among the melon genotypes studied, there is the potential to generate superior new varieties in hybrid production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to examine the extent of heterosis in 21crosses of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). These hybrids originated from a line x tester mating scheme in which seven lines were crossed with three testers. Combining ability analysis revealed that the parental lines HP-25 and HD-3086 performed well for grain yield, while HP-24, HP-22, and HP-06 were observed to be better for other qualities that contribute to yield. Significantly higher positive Specific Combining Ability (SCA) for grain yield per plant was observed for the crosses HP-22 x JAUW-683, HP-44 x HD-3086, and HP-45 x RSP-561 suggesting the role of non-additive gene action. The ratio of variances was observed to be less than unity indicating the presence of non-additive genetic effects in these cross combinations. In terms of heterotic impacts on grain yield, yield contributors, and morpho-physiological features, HP-06 x RSP-561 was shown to be the best combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to find out high yield and good quality cucumber hybrids which can further be released for cultivation in the tropics under open filed conditions. Therefore, five lines (2 gynoecious, 1 each predominantly gynoecious, parthenocarpic gynoecious and predominantly gynoecious and parthenocarpic) and 11 testers (monoecious) were crossed in a line × tester mating design to develop 55 F1 hybrids at Vegetable Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. All the 71 genotypes were evaluated during spring–summer 2021 under open field conditions for 11 quantitative traits. Gene action study revealed the predominant role of non-additive genetic variance for all traits except for fruit length. On the basis of GCA (general combining ability) effect, lines PK-1, PBRK-11 and 25–46 VNR and testers Punjab Naveen, Pusa Uday and PMC-1were found to be best for fruit yield, quality and earliness which can be utilized as donor parents in future breeding. The maximum heterobeltiosis was recorded for fruit yield followed by fruit number per plant, fruit weight, fruit length and fruit diameter. The significant and positive correlation between GCA and mean of parental lines was observed for fruit yield, fruit number per plant, fruit length, and days to first fruit picking. Exploitation of the top performing hybrids 'PK-1 × AVCU-1205, PK-1 × Swarna Ageti, PK-1 × PMC-1 and PBRK11 × Punjab Naveen', after critical evaluation, could be recommended for commercial cucumber open field production in the tropics. Promising hybrids could also be exploited in segregating generations to identify pure lines having high yield with good fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining ability status of the inbred lines is crucial information for hybrid breeding program. Diallel or line × tester mating designs are frequently used to evaluate the combining ability. In the current study a modified diallel model was used, wherein the Griffing's combining ability effects were further partitioned to understand the effects due to maternal and reciprocal. To do this, eight parental lines of maize were crossed in full diallel method and the generated hybrids along with parents were phenotyped. The field data on the quantitative traits was analyzed using both Griffing's and the modified model to determine how well the parents' and the F1 hybrids combined. For each of the traits, a sizable reciprocal and maternal variance was observed. The number of kernel rows per cob variable had a ratio of additive variance to dominance variance greater than one. All other traits including grain yield had a ratio close to zero, suggesting that non-additive gene action was primarily responsible for the genetic control of most of the traits. The narrow sense heritability was low to moderate for majority of the variables, except for number of kernel rows per cob. With the help of the improved model, it was possible to choose superior parents and cross-parent pairings with accuracy. Based on the modified general combining ability effects and maternal effects, the parental line P5 was recognized as a potential female parent and P7 as a good male parent for grain yield and yield-attributing characteristics. The cross combination of P8×P1 had the highest specific combining ability effect on grain yield. P5×P6 cross had the highest reciprocal effect. The correlation analysis implies that the Griffing's general combining ability effects and specific combining ability effects were found to be less efficient in predicting F1 performance as compared to the modified model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The production of high‐oil‐yielding hybrid varieties is a primary objective in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) breeding programs. Biometric genetic experiments such as line × tester provide valuable insights into the genetic structure of traits associated with high oil yield. Methods: In this study, 21 winter hybrids of oilseed rape were evaluated, which were generated by crossing three restorers with seven CMS lines. The experiment was conducted using a line × tester experiment based on a completely randomized block design. Phenological, agronomic, yield, and oil yield components were assessed in this study. The ideal genotype selection index (SIIG) methodology was also employed to identify superior hybrids based on all studied traits simultaneously. Results: Significant differences were observed between the obtained hybrids and the check cultivars. Heritability analysis revealed that phenological traits were primarily controlled by additive effects, while agronomic and qualitative traits were mainly influenced by non‐additive gene effects. Both broad‐sense and narrow‐sense heritability exhibited a wide range, underscoring the importance of genetic variance. Notably, the hybrids T1 × L5, T1 × L6, and T3 × L1 showed significant specific combining ability values of 394.74, 541.73, and 1236.79, respectively, making them the top specific combinations for increasing seed yield. Based on the SIIG index, hybrids T3 × L1, T1 × L5, T1 × L3, and T2 × L3 emerged as high‐oil‐yielding hybrids with desirable agronomic traits. Conclusions: The identified superior hybrids by line × tester and SIIG approaches hold promise for the development of high‐yielding oilseed rape cultivars with desirable agronomic traits in oilseed rape breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Improving yield via assessment of different yield-related genetic parameters specifically with the challenges of yield × traits combination is a prominent issue for plant breeders. A graphical and numerical description of diallel analysis by yield × traits with the novelty of the parent selection with desirable genetic architecture in rapeseed was illustrated via Hayman and biplot approaches. Eleven divers' parents and their F1 offspring, achieved via a complete diallel mating fashion, were evaluated under field conditions based on randomized complete block design replicated thrice throught 2018–2020. Integrated yield × traits analysis revealed highly significant additive and non-additive gene effects which were confirmed by the meaningful general and specific combining ability of evaluated multi-traits. Graphical Wr-Vr analysis, depicted partial dominance gene action for yield × traits, except yield × thousand grain yield which is governed by over-dominance gene action.The biplot polygon panorama identified the most desirable heterotic parents with higher general and specific combining ability, and more dominant genes including [(P9) × (P4, P6, P10) for yield × pod]; [(P9) × (P7), (P6) × (P11) and (P7) × (P10) for yield × thousand grain yield] and [(P10 × P3) for yield/flowering, yield/physiological maturity, yield/plant height]. These findings suggested that a breeder should consider superior parents with high × high general and specific combining ability according to combining their yield and its related genetic parameters as important traits with all other target characters via descripted approaches.

Abstract Background Orobanche is an obligate parasite on faba bean in the Mediterranean region, causes considerable yield losses. Breeding tolerant faba bean genotypes to Orobanche is pivotal to sustain production and ensuring global food security, particularly considering the challenges posed by population growth. In the present study, seven faba bean lines and four testers were used in a line×tester mating design during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 growing seasons. The eleven parents and their 28 F1 crosses were evaluated under Orobanche free and naturally infested soils. Results The results demonstrated considerable variations among the evaluated genotypes, wide diversity among the parental materials, and heterotic effects for all studied agronomic traits under Orobanche-free and infested soils. Orbanche infestation displayed a significant adverse impact on all the studied agronomic traits. The genotypes Line1, Line2, Line3, and Line5 displayed superior performance under Orobanche-infested conditions and recorded the highest values of all studied agronomic traits. Additionally, Line1, Line2, Line3, Line5, and Line7 exhibited desirable significant GCA for most evaluated traits under the two infestation conditions. The obtained crosses displayed significant negative or positive heterosis for studied agronomic characters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, and seed weight per plant were observed. Furthermore, specific cross combinations such as Line2×Sakha3, Line3×Nubaria5, Line7 × Nubaria5, Line6×Nubaria1, Line5×Sakha3, Line1×Sakha3, and Line1 × Nubaria5 exhibited superior performance in seed yield and contributing traits under Orobanche-infested conditions. Moreover, these specific crosses showed superior efficacy in reducing dry weight of Orobanche spikes. The results obtained from GGE biplot analysis closely aligned with those from the line×tester procedure, affirming the significance of GGE biplot as a valuable statistical tool for assessing genotype combining ability in line× tester data. Both additive and non-additive gene actions were reported to be predominantly involved in the inheritance of the studied agronomic traits in faba bean. Conclusions The detected genetic diversity within the evaluated faba bean genotypes and their developed crosses exhibits substantial potential for improving faba bean productivity under Orobanche-infested conditions. The parental genotypes, Line1, Line2, Line3, Line5, and Line7, were identified as effective and promising combiners. Moreover, the developed crosses Line2×Sakha3, Line3×Nubaria5, Line7×Nubaria5, Line6×Nubaria1, Line5×Sakha3, Line1×Sakha3, and Line1×Nubaria5 could be considered valuable candidates for developing high-yielding and tolerant faba bean genotypes to Orobanche.

Abstract Background As the most widely cultivated fiber crop, cotton production depends on hybridization to unlock the yield potential of current varieties. A deep understanding of genetic dissection is crucial for the cultivation of enhanced hybrid plants with desired traits, such as high yield and fine fiber quality. In this study, the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of yield and fiber quality of nine cotton parents (six lines and three testers) and eighteen F1 crosses produced using a line × tester mating design were analyzed. Results The results revealed significant effects of genotypes, parents, crosses, and interactions between parents and crosses for most of the studied traits. Moreover, the effects of both additive and non-additive gene actions played a notably significant role in the inheritance of most of the yield and fiber quality attributes. The F1 hybrids of (Giza 90 × Aust) × Giza 86, Uzbekistan 1 × Giza 97, and Giza 96 × Giza 97 demonstrated superior performance due to their favorable integration of high yield attributes and premium fiber quality characteristics. Path analysis revealed that lint yield has the highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield, while lint percentage showed the highest negative direct effect on seed cotton yield. Principal component analysis identified specific parents and hybrids associated with higher cotton yield, fiber quality, and other agronomic traits. Conclusion This study provides insights into identifying potential single- and three-way cross hybrids with superior cotton yield and fiber quality characteristics, laying a foundation for future research on improving fiber quality in cotton.

A half-diallel cross involving nine diverse brinjal genotypes, excluding reciprocals, yielded thirty-six combinations for the investigation of combining ability and gene action related to yield components. Varied genetic differences were observed among the genotypes for analyzed features, indicating that both additive and non-additive gene actions are influencing most traits. Examination of the overall combining ability effects highlighted JBR-5, JBR-3, and JBR-4 as effective general combiners for both fruit yield per plant and fruit and shoot borer infestation. Crosses demonstrating substantial specific combining ability effects in fruit yield also displayed noteworthy impacts on one or more components of yield. Promising combinations like JBR-3 X JBR-5, JBL-1 X JBR-5, and JBL-2 X JBL-3 showed potential for varietal improvement, pending multi-location yield trials to confirm their effectiveness. The most favourable cross, JBR-3 X JBR-5 (0.60), demonstrated significantly positive SCA effects for yield per plant, coupled with high and positive effects for fruit length and number of fruits per plant. Further, it also demonstrated enhanced fruit and shoot borer resistance. Most traits exhibited high narrow-sense heritability, suggesting a predominant role of additivity in phenotypic variability. Understanding the genetic mechanisms influencing economically important quantitative traits is crucial for devising successful breeding strategies. Future research should delve into advanced genomic techniques to unravel the genetic architecture of these traits and expedite the development of improved brinjal varieties with enhanced yield and resistance characteristics.

Two sets of 28 interspecific HxB hybrids generated in LxT fashion, along with their parents were evaluated for 11 yield and fibre quality parameters. GCA variances were lower than SCA variances for all the characters in both sets, as indicated by their lower ratios suggesting predominance of non-additive gene action. Based on both per se and gca effects, GJHV 374 BT, RAJAT BT, ICB 39 and CCB 141 in Set I and GJHV 374 BT, SURAJ BT, ICB 176 and SUVIN in Set II were found to be the best parents which could be utilized for the hybridization programme to obtain superior segregants with yield and fibre qualities. The hybrids viz., RAJAT BTxICB 99, RAJAT BTxICB 34,SURAJ BTxICB 39, GJHV 374 BTxICB 264, SURAJ BTxICB 264 and SURAJ BTxICB 284 showed significant sca effects. Hence, it may be concluded that the above hybrids are the best specific combiners for different yield-contributing and fibre-quality traits. The sca effect was found to be positive in17 crosses and 11 crosses for single plant yield in set I and II, respectively. Similarly, six crosses each in sets I and II were found with a positive sca effect for fibre length.

The present study involved assessment of 70 three-line hybrids obtained by crossing five CMS lines and 14 testers using line x tester mating design for combining ability and heterosis for 13 yield and grain quality traits. The Analysis of Variance identified significant difference among crosses and the ratio of GCA and SCA variances were less than unity indicating non-additive gene action for all the traits. The line COMS 24A and testers RNR 15048, WGL 32100, CBSN 504, CBSN 509, CBSN 511 and IR64 DRT were identified as best general combiners through gca effects. Among the hybrids, COMS 24A X WGL 32100, COMS 24A X CBSN 504, COMS 25A X CBSN 511, COMS 25A X CBSN 517, COMS 23A X IR64 DRT and COMS 23A X CBSN 509 demonstrated outstanding sca effects, mean and standard heterosis over CORH 3 and CORH 4. Two hybrids viz., COMS 25A X CBSN 511 and COMS 25A X RNR 15048 had medium slender grain type and hold promise for commercial exploitation in south India especially Tamil Nadu.

Abstract Application of machine learning in plant breeding is a recent concept, that has to be optimized for precise utilization in the breeding program of high yielding crop plants. Identification and efficient utilization of heterotic grouping pattern aided with machine learning approaches is of utmost importance in hybrid cultivar breeding as it can save time and resources required to breed a new plant hybrid/variety. In the present study, 109 genotypes of sunflower were investigated at morphological, biochemical (SDS-PAGE) and molecular levels (through micro-satellites (SSR) markers) for heterotic grouping. All the three datasets were combined, scaled, and subjected to unsupervised machine learning algorithms, i.e., Hierarchical clustering, K-means clustering and hybrid clustering algorithm (hierarchical + K-means) for assessment of efficiency and resolution power of these algorithms in practical plant breeding for heterotic grouping identification. Following the application of machine learning unsupervised clustering approach, two major groups were identified in the studied sunflower germplasm, and further classification revealed six smaller classes in each major group through hierarchical and hybrid clustering approach. Due to high resolution, obtained in hierarchical clustering, classification achieved through this algorithm was further used for selection of potential parents. One genotype from each smaller group was selected based on the maximum seed yield potential and hybridized in a line × tester mating design producing 36 F1 cross combinations. These F1s along with their parents were studied in open field conditions for validating the efficacy of identified heterotic groups in sunflowers genetic material under study. Data for 11 agronomic and qualitative traits were recorded. These 36 F1 combinations were tested for their combining ability (General/Specific), heterosis, genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path analysis. Results suggested that F1 hybrids performed better for all the traits under investigation than their respective parents. Findings of the study validated the use of machine learning approaches in practical plant breeding; however, more accurate and robust clustering algorithms need to be developed to handle the data noisiness of open field experiments.

Background: Orobanche is an obligate parasite on faba bean in the Mediterranean region, causes considerable yield losses. Breeding tolerant faba bean genotypes to Orobanche is pivotal to sustain production and ensuring global food security, particularly considering the challenges posed by population growth. In the present study, seven faba bean lines and four testers were used in a line×tester mating design during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 growing seasons. The eleven parents and their 28 F1 crosses were evaluated under Orobanche free and naturally infested soils. Results: The results demonstrated considerable variations among the evaluated genotypes, wide diversity among the parental materials, and heterotic effects for all studied agronomic traits under Orobanche-free and infested soils. Orbanche infestation displayed a significant adverse impact on all the studied agronomic traits. The genotypes Line1, Line2, Line3, and Line5 displayed superior performance under Orobanche-infested conditions and recorded the highest values of all studied agronomic traits. Additionally, Line1, Line2, Line3, Line5, and Line7 exhibited desirable significant GCA for most evaluated traits under the two infestation conditions. The obtained crosses displayed significant negative or positive heterosis for studied agronomic characters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, and seed weight per plant were observed. Furthermore, specific cross combinations such as Line2×Sakha3, Line3×Nubaria5, Line7 × Nubaria5, Line6×Nubaria1, Line5×Sakha3, Line1×Sakha3, and Line1 × Nubaria5 exhibited superior performance in seed yield and contributing traits under Orobanche-infested conditions. Moreover, these specific crosses showed superior efficacy in reducing dry weight of Orobanche spikes. The results obtained from GGE biplot analysis closely aligned with those from the line×tester procedure, affirming the significance of GGE biplot as a valuable statistical tool for assessing genotype combining ability in line× tester data. Both additive and non-additive gene actions were reported to be predominantly involved in the inheritance of the studied agronomic traits in faba bean. Conclusions: The detected genetic diversity within the evaluated faba bean genotypes and their developed crosses exhibits substantial potential for improving faba bean productivity under Orobanche-infested conditions. The parental genotypes, Line1, Line2, Line3, Line5, and Line7, were identified as effective and promising combiners. Moreover, the developed crosses Line2×Sakha3, Line3×Nubaria5, Line7×Nubaria5, Line6×Nubaria1, Line5×Sakha3, Line1×Sakha3, and Line1×Nubaria5 could be considered valuable candidates for developing high-yielding and tolerant faba bean genotypes to Orobanche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the most widely cultivated fiber crop, cotton production depends on hybridization to unlock the yield potential of current varieties. A deep understanding of genetic dissection is crucial for the cultivation of enhanced hybrid plants with desired traits, such as high yield and fine fiber quality. In this study, the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of yield and fiber quality of nine cotton parents (six lines and three testers) and eighteen F1 crosses produced using a line × tester mating design were analyzed. Results: The results revealed significant effects of genotypes, parents, crosses, and interactions between parents and crosses for most of the studied traits. Moreover, the effects of both additive and non-additive gene actions played a notably significant role in the inheritance of most of the yield and fiber quality attributes. The F1 hybrids of (Giza 90 × Aust) × Giza 86, Uzbekistan 1 × Giza 97, and Giza 96 × Giza 97 demonstrated superior performance due to their favorable integration of high yield attributes and premium fiber quality characteristics. Path analysis revealed that lint yield has the highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield, while lint percentage showed the highest negative direct effect on seed cotton yield. Principal component analysis identified specific parents and hybrids associated with higher cotton yield, fiber quality, and other agronomic traits. Conclusion: This study provides insights into identifying potential single- and three-way cross hybrids with superior cotton yield and fiber quality characteristics, laying a foundation for future research on improving fiber quality in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid between the female channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and the male blue catfish (I. furcatus) is the best genetic type currently available for commercial catfish farming due to their superior traits. However, further genetic improvements can be achieved by selecting parents with increased combining abilities. Twenty female channel catfish and twelve male blue catfish were crossed in a partial factorial mating design, resulting in forty hybrid families. These families were evaluated for early growth in three different rearing systems, including ponds and aquaria. The early growth performance of hybrid catfish was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the additive gene action of the female parent and the male parent. There were genotype–environment or genotype–age interactions affecting the combining abilities, both the amount and the type of genetic variation. Dam GCA was significant in all environments/ages; however, sire GCA was variable, and SCA was not significant. These findings suggest that reciprocal recurrent selection for growth could potentially improve the performance of F1 hybrid catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives: Oilseed rape is one of the most important sources of vegetable oil in the world, and its seed contains more than 40% of oil, and the meal obtained from oil extraction has more than 35% of protein, and currently it ranks third among oil plants after soybean and oil palm. in the world. The existance of environmental stresses, such as drought stress, causes a significant decrease in oilseed rape yields. Therefore, breeding for drought tolerance is very important, and creating high yielding and early maturing or drought tolerant cultivars is one of the important goals of breeders. The purpose of this study was to determine the best general and specific combiners and the amount of heterosis compared to the superior parent in spring rapeseed using line×tester analysis in two conditions of normal irrigation and drought stress. Material and Methods: Seven high-yielding rapeseed lines were crossed with five testers with a range of early maturity in the 2018-2019. The first generation hybrids along with 12 parents (47 genotypes in total) were evaluated in the randomized complete block design with three replications in two conditions of normal irrigation and terminal drought stress (irrigation cut off at the beginning of podding stage) in the 2019-2020. The studied traits included physiological maturity date, plant height, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of grains per pod, height of the first pod from the ground, 1000-grain weight, seed yield, oil percentage and oil yield. Results: The results of analysis of variance in both normal irrigation and drought stress conditions showed a significant difference between hybrids for all investigated traits, which indicated a significant diversity between genotypes. In analyzing the effect of hybrids into the relevant components, the interaction effect of line × tester was significant for all the traits under normal irrigation conditions and also under drought stress conditions except for the height of the first pod from the ground, and oil yield. The effect of parents versus hybrids was significant in normal for all traits except the number of seeds per pod under normal irrigation conditions and except for plant height, pod length and number of seeds per pod in drought stress conditions, which indicates the existence of heterosis for these traits. For the trait of physiological maturing, among the lines, line 6 showed the highest negative general combining ability under normal irrigation and drought stress conditions, and tester 5 showed the highest negative general combining ability among the testers under normal irrigation and drought stress conditions. Tester 5 was contributed in early maturing T5×L3 hybrid under drought stress conditions. L1 and L5 in both conditions and T2, and L3 and L4 in normal irrigation conditions and T1 in drought stress conditions were identified as the best general positive and significant combiner for the number of pods per plant, and hybrids T5×L1, T1× L5, T2×L4, T4×L4, T1×L7, T1×L6, T2×L7, T3×L2, T5×L7, and T4×L3 were the best specific combiner to increase the number of pods per plant in both experiment conditions. T4 was the most significant positive general combiner under normal irrigation conditions and drought stress for the 1000-grain trait. Also, regarding the positive significant specific combining ability for this trait hybrids T2×L7, T3×L7 in both conditions, and in addition hybrids T1×L7 and T5×L4 under normal irrigation conditions and hybrids T1×L6 and T3×L5 under drought stress conditions showed the highest amount. The most significant positive general combining ability in grain yield was determined to T5 and L1 and L6 in both conditions. The best significant positive specific combining ability were T2×L7 and T3×L7 in both conditions. The highest positive and significant amount of general combining ability of the amount of oil, was given to T3 and T5 and L6 in both experimet conditions, and T4 and L7 in normal irrigation conditions and L5 in drought stress conditions. T1×L6, T5×L1, T2×L5, T3×L1, T5×L3 and T4×L4 were among the best hybrids in both conditions. In normal irrigation conditions, T2×L3, T4×L3, T5×L1, T4×L6, and T5×L3 and in drought stress, T5×L1, T2×L3, T2×L4, T4×L4, T4×L3, T4×L5 and T2×L7 had the highest amount of heterosis in the positive direction for the number of pods per plant. The trait of the number of grain per pods, T2×L3, T4×L3, T5×L1, and T2×L5 under normal irrigation conditions and T5×L6, T3×L6, and T5×L3 under drought stress condition had the highest amount of heterosis. Conclusion: The estimation of traits' combining ability showed that T5 and L1 and L6 were the best general combiners to increase grain yield. T3×L7 and T2×L7 hybrids were the best specific combiner for increasing grain yield under normal irrigation and drought stress conditions. Also for the 1000-seed trait, T3×L6, T4×L1, T5×L4 and T1×L1 hybrids under normal irrigation conditions and T3×L7, T1×L6, T2×L6 and T3×L3 hybrids under drought stress conditions have the highest amount of heterosis. The number of pods per plant and the number of grain per pods under normal irrigation conditions, T2×L3, T4×L3 and T5×L1 had significant positive heterosisTherefore, their parents can be suggested for hybrid varieties production programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br., 2n = 2x = 14) is a nutrient-dense and climate-resilient crop widely cultivated in the dry regions of Africa and Asia. In Burkina Faso, the actual mean yield of the crop is < 1 ton/ha compared with a potential yield of 3 tons/ha. Several constraints, including cultivar susceptibility to the noxious weed Striga hermonthica (Del.) Bentham (Sh) and severe and recurrent drought stress limit the potential productivity of the crop. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the combining ability effects and degree of heterosis for agronomic traits and resistance to Sh among complementary pearl millet genotypes to select promising parental lines and hybrids to develop and deploy farmer-preferred varieties. The narrow-and broad-sense heritability were relatively higher for Striga-resistance (≥ 70%) and low (≤ 23%) for grain yield. The general combining ability and specific combining ability ratios were less than unity for agronomic traits and Striga reaction indicating the predominance of non-additive gene action conditioning the assessed traits. The new experimental hybrids such as IP-11358 × ICMB177111, IP-11358 × IKMB18002, IP-10579 × ICMB177002 and IP-9242 × ICMB177002 are recommended for multi-environment evaluation and production in Sh-infested pearl millet cultivation agro-ecologies in Burkina Faso or similar agro-ecologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding resistant wheat cultivars to Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium spp., is the best method for controlling the disease. The aim of this study was to estimate general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for FHB resistance in a set of eight genetically diverse winter wheat cultivars to identify potential donors of FHB resistance for crossing. FHB resistance of parents and F1 crosses produced by the half diallel scheme was evaluated under the conditions of artificial inoculation with F. graminearum and natural infection. Four FHB related traits were assessed: visual rating index (VRI), Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK), and deoxynivalenol and zearalenone content in the harvested grain samples. Significant GCA effects for FHB resistance were observed for the parental cultivars with high FHB resistance for all studied FHB resistance related traits. The significant SCA and mid-parent heterosis effects for FHB resistance were rare under both artificial inoculation and natural infection conditions and involved crosses between parents with low FHB resistance. A significant negative correlation between grain yield under natural conditions and VRI (r = −0.43) and FDK (r = −0.47) under conditions of artificial inoculation was observed in the set of the studied F1 crosses. Some crosses showed high yield and high FHB resistance, indicating that breeding of FHB resistant genotypes could be performed without yield penalty. These crosses involved resistant cultivars with significant GCA effects for FHB resistance indicating that that they could be used as good donors of FHB resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of machine learning in plant breeding is a recent concept, that has to be optimized for precise utilization in the breeding program of high yielding crop plants. Identification and efficient utilization of heterotic grouping pattern aided with machine learning approaches is of utmost importance in hybrid cultivar breeding as it can save time and resources required to breed a new plant hybrid/variety. In the present study, 109 genotypes of sunflower were investigated at morphological, biochemical (SDS-PAGE) and molecular levels (through micro-satellites (SSR) markers) for heterotic grouping. All the three datasets were combined, scaled, and subjected to unsupervised machine learning algorithms, i.e., Hierarchical clustering, K-means clustering and hybrid clustering algorithm (hierarchical + K-means) for assessment of efficiency and resolution power of these algorithms in practical plant breeding for heterotic grouping identification. Following the application of machine learning unsupervised clustering approach, two major groups were identified in the studied sunflower germplasm, and further classification revealed six smaller classes in each major group through hierarchical and hybrid clustering approach. Due to high resolution, obtained in hierarchical clustering, classification achieved through this algorithm was further used for selection of potential parents. One genotype from each smaller group was selected based on the maximum seed yield potential and hybridized in a line × tester mating design producing 36 F1 cross combinations. These F1s along with their parents were studied in open field conditions for validating the efficacy of identified heterotic groups in sunflowers genetic material under study. Data for 11 agronomic and qualitative traits were recorded. These 36 F1 combinations were tested for their combining ability (General/Specific), heterosis, genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path analysis. Results suggested that F1 hybrids performed better for all the traits under investigation than their respective parents. Findings of the study validated the use of machine learning approaches in practical plant breeding; however, more accurate and robust clustering algorithms need to be developed to handle the data noisiness of open field experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used a 4×5 two-factor crossover design of fir advanced generation hybrid progeny in a forest farm in Kaihua County, Zhejiang Province, to study the growth traits, basic wood density, and trunk carbon content of 8 years old fir to estimate the general combining ability and special combining ability (GCA/SCA)effect values and relative importance of each trait, analyze the genetic control mode and correlation between traits, reveal the genetic effects of growth and timber traits in fir advanced generation hybrid progeny, and select high-performing hybrid combinations. We estimated the GCA/SCA effect values and relative importance of each trait and analyzed the genetic control mode and correlation between the traits. The results showed that the differences in height, diameter at breast height, volume of wood per plant, basic density of wood, and carbon content of the trunk of cedar trees were significant (P<0. 05) among the hybrid combinations, while the differences in carbon content were not significant among the combinations. Parent-parent fitness analysis showed that the maternal effects of tree height, diameter at breast height, volume of wood per plant, and trunk carbon content were greater than the paternal effects, with C25-3 having the greatest maternal effect and B109-3 having the greatest paternal effect. The hybrid combinations were mainly controlled by the effects of additive genes for each trait, and focusing on the selection of the parents for breeding tall fir tree generations is vital. Correlation analysis between traits showed that trunk carbon content and growth traits were significantly positively correlated. and two fast-growing and high carbon sequestration hybrid combinations (3211 and 3215)were jointly selected based on the 10％selection rate. The volume of wood per plant increased by>30. 91％compared with that of control check (CK), and the carbon content of the trunk increased by>26. 95％compared with that of CK, whereas the basic density of wood was weakly correlated or negatively correlated with the growth traits. Two hybrid combinations with high-performing wood traits (3218 and 3216) were selected, and the basic density of wood increased by>2. 17％compared with that of CK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ABSTRACT Elephant grass is an allogamous perennial forage crop with asexual propagation, allowing plant breeders to explore heterosis and develop hybrids. However, selecting parents for diallel crossing schemes is a major hurdle in the development of hybrids. In addition, this perennial crop has several harvests, which increases the dataset size and the complexity of the statistical analyses. Here, we propose a diallel analysis based on linear mixed models with repeatability information to identify parents and hybrids, and the optimum number of harvests. We performed a complete diallel crossing of 11 parents with data from five harvests for morphological traits and two harvests for nutritive value traits. The diallel model with repeatability information aids in the estimation of the genetic effect of diallel analysis to infer the ideal number of harvests and genotype × harvest interaction. We observed that the specific combining ability (SCA) is more critical for morphoagronomic traits, while the general combining ability (GCA) has greater importance for traits related to nutritive value. Furthermore, we detected that five harvests were sufficient for the morphoagronomic traits with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.8; however, ten harvests were required for an R2 of 0.9. The model is a promising single-analysis alternative for plant breeders to analyze a diallel with repeated measures and to estimate important parameters without incurring in additional financial costs.

In this experiment, F1s produced from a 7 × 7 half-diallel cross along with their parents were evaluated to develop high yielding and saline-tolerant barley lines. The investigation focused on the general combining ability (GCA) of parents, specific combining ability (SCA) of offspring, genetic action, and heterosis of eight quantitative variables. Genetic analysis and potence ratio suggested that different degrees of dominance controlling the inheritance of the studied traits. Significant GCA and SCA variances suggested the presence of both additive and non-additive gene actions controlling the traits. However, a GCA:SCA ratio lower than 1 indicated the preponderance of the non-additive gene action involved in the expression of the traits. The parents P5 and P6 possess the genetic potential favorable for early and short stature in their F1s. Conversely, P2 and P4 were more likely to produce short F1s with high yield potential. Based on the mean performance, SCA, and heterobeltiosis, crosses P2 × P3, P2 × P7, P3 × P4, P4 × P5, P5 × P6, and P6 × P7 were selected as promising F1s for earliness, short stature, and high yield potential. These crosses are recommended for further breeding to obtain early-maturing and high-yielding segregants. To identify saline-tolerant F1s, screening was conducted in saline media prepared in half-strength Hoagland solution. The salinity stress involved exposing F1s to 100 mM NaCl for first 10 days, and followed by an increase to 150 mM until maturity. Among the F1s, five crosses (P1 × P2, P2 × P3, P3 × P5, P4 × P6, and P4 × P7) exhibited promising signs of saline tolerance based on a comprehensive evaluation of healthy seed set, K+/Na+ ratio, root volume, generation of reactive oxygen species (O2•− and H2O2), and activities of key antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR). These crosses will undergo further evaluation in the next filial generation to confirm heritable saline tolerance.

Combining ability status of the inbred lines is crucial information for hybrid breeding program. Diallel or line × tester mating designs are frequently used to evaluate the combining ability. In the current study a modified diallel model was used, wherein the Griffing’s combining ability effects were further partitioned to understand the effects due to maternal and reciprocal. To do this, eight parental lines of maize were crossed in full diallel method and the generated hybrids along with parents were phenotyped. The field data on the quantitative traits was analyzed using both Griffing’s and the modified model to determine how well the parents’ and the F1 hybrids combined. For each of the traits, a sizable reciprocal and maternal variance was observed. The number of kernel rows per cob variable had a ratio of additive variance to dominance variance greater than one. All other traits including grain yield had a ratio close to zero, suggesting that non-additive gene action was primarily responsible for the genetic control of most of the traits. The narrow sense heritability was low to moderate for majority of the variables, except for number of kernel rows per cob. With the help of the improved model, it was possible to choose superior parents and cross-parent pairings with accuracy. Based on the modified general combining ability effects and maternal effects, the parental line P5 was recognized as a potential female parent and P7 as a good male parent for grain yield and yield-attributing characteristics. The cross combination of P8×P1 had the highest specific combining ability effect on grain yield. P5×P6 cross had the highest reciprocal effect. The correlation analysis implies that the Griffing’s general combining ability effects and specific combining ability effects were found to be less efficient in predicting F1 performance as compared to the modified model.

Background: Groundnut is one of the world's major food and oil crops. Being sources of nutrition and vegetable oil, rich in affordable and digestible protein, it is a strategic crop in Burkina Faso for food security, nutrition, and cash income. Understanding the nature of gene effect and genetic variation affecting yield and yield component traits will contribute to designing appropriate breeding methods for groundnut improvement and increase selection efficiency in Burkina Faso. Methods: In 2018, a total of 30 F2 progenies were generated through a 6 x 6 full diallel mating using six different and contrasting varieties. In 2019, parents and progenies were evaluated in a lattice square design in 3 replications at ICRISAT-Mali experimental field to assess the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects, the inheritance and the maternal and reciprocal effects for yield component traits (YCT) and oil content (OC). Results: Significant variabilities were observed among the parental genotypes and their F2 progenies for DTH, PSR, HPW, PL, PWD, SL, SWD, and OAC. Mean performance of the six parents were HPW (117.05g), HSW (57.24 g), PYH (1914.76), SYH (1312.73), PL (2.52), PWD (1,19), SL (1.38), SWD (0.83), OC (49.43), OAC (50.43) and LAC (33.61). Parent QH243C presented the highest value for SWD (1.02 cm) and OAC (60.76) while the parent ICGV09195 had the highest value of OC (50.36). Chalimbana presented the highest value of HPW (169.61 g), PL (2.98 cm), PWD (1. 41 cm), and SL (1.57 cm) while CG7 presented the highest value for HSW (75. 14 g), and SYH (1639.28 kg). Both YCT and OC are controlled by additive and non-additive gene effects with a predominance of additive gene action for HSW, SL, and SWD, whereas HPW, PL, PWD, and OAC were found to be more controlled by non-additive gene effects. Maternal effects as well as nuclear and cytoplasmic interaction effects were observed for both YCT and OC indicating that YCT and OC are influenced by a combination of genetic factors from both the maternal parent and the nuclear genome, as well as cytoplasmic factors such as mitochondrial DNA. Broad sense heritability ranged from 3.76 % to 91.56 %, and higher broad sense heritability values were recorded for pod length (91.56 %), hundred pod weight (83.71 %) and pod width (80.95 %). Conclusion: The study yields valuable insights into the inheritance of YCT and OC. The parents, Chalimbana and CG7, showed promise as good combiners for both yield component traits and oil content when used as male parents while TE3, Sh470P and QH243C can be used as female for the oil content and its components (oleic and linoleic content).

Erucic acid, more than 2 %, in mustard seed oil is considered unhealthy as edible oil, and also anti-nutritional for human consumption. The existing mustard varieties of Bangladesh contain 40–48 % erucic acid, which is a big concern for the country's nutritional, and food security and safety. Hence, to improve the seed oil quality of the existing variety, six popular cultivars of Brassica juncea mustard were crossed with a canola-grade line in 7 × 7 half diallel fashion, and the developed 21 F1 hybrids were assessed for yield contributing traits, and fatty acids composition. Variables with significant variations were found, while days to siliquae maturity, plant height, days to first flowering, and seeds per siliquae have moderate narrow sense heritability. The estimated gene action indicated that dominant or over-dominant gene action was more prominent in governing the traits. The parents, P1, P3, and P4 were discovered the best general combiners for early maturity and short phenology, whereas P2 and P7 were found to be the best general combiners for yield-attributing traits. Moreover, the hybrids P1 × P4, P1 × P6, P2 × P7, P4 × P6 and P3 × P5 were chosen as the promising hybrids due to their best specific combining ability, and desired heterotic effects on yield contributing traits. In addition, a significant decrease, on average 30–40 %, in erucic acid, but an approximately 20–25 % increase of oleic acid was found among the hybrids, in which the hybrids P1 × P6–S1, P5 × P6–S2 and P5 × P6–S4 demonstrated a better stability index. Overall, the obtained findings suggested that the hybrids, viz. P1 × P5, P1 × P6, P2 × P3, P2 × P7, P4 × P6, P5 × P6, and P6 × P7 were promising based on their early maturity, high-yielding, reduced erucic acid, and high oleic acid contents.

Understanding the combining ability effects, heterosis, and genetic relationships between parental lines would be helpful in the maize breeding program to develop high-yielding and genetically stable maize varieties for various contrasting environments. Hence, the objective of this study was to estimate combining ability effects, heterosis, genetic distance (GD) and associations for grain yield and other agronomic traits. Forty-five F1 diallel crosses, four commercial checks, and ten inbred lines were evaluated at Bako and Jima Agricultural Research Centers, Ethiopia. Significant differences were observed among environments, genotypes and genotype by environment interaction for grain yield and almost all studied agronomic traits. Combining ability analysis showed both additive and non-additive gene effects significantly controlled grain yield and all other studied traits. The preponderance of general combining ability (GCA) effects indicates the importance of additive gene action inheriting most agronomic traits. Lines L2, L7, and L9 were the best combiners for grain yield, whereas lines L3 and L4 had desirable GCA values to improve days to flowering and plant height. Among the top ten crosses, L6 × L9, L6 × L7 and L4 × L9 were good specific combiners and had 18.8 %, 17.2 % and 16.2 % grain yield advantage over the best check, BH546. These hybrids also had high mid and better-parent heterosis compared with other crosses. The associations of GD with mean of F1 and SCA effects were positive and highly significant for grain yield and some other traits. In contrast, correlations of GD with mid and better parent heterosis were non-significant for grain yield and most other traits. The results of this study are particularly useful for breeders who envisage combining conventional and molecular methods.