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BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Marination is an important part of air‐dried beef processing, and traditional methods are inefficient and produce inconsistent results. Ultrasound, as a novel technology, can be combined with traditional marination methods. The study aimed to investigate the improvement of beef flavor by ultrasound‐assisted marination. At the same time, the potential relationship between the alteration of meat protein and flavor quality by ultrasound‐assisted marinating was further investigated to enable better flavor modulation and research.Headspace solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed that the spice flavor of beef was significantly enhanced by 500 W ultrasound‐assisted marination. Meanwhile, the experimental results demonstrated that the ultrasound‐assisted marination promoted the unfolding of beef myofibrillar protein structure, which increased the number of hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding sites, enhanced the electrostatic effect and improved the functional properties of the protein. Ultrasound‐assisted marination significantly enhanced the binding ability of beef myofibrillar proteins to flavor compounds compared with conventional marination. An electronic nose confirmed that this resulted in a significant increase in the flavor of the marinated meat.Ultrasound‐assisted marination effectively enhanced the flavor of marinated meat, which was closely related to the development of protein conformation. The results of this study have important implications for the food industry and the role of protein unfolding processes in flavor modulation. In particular, the findings can be practically applied to improving meat flavor under ultrasound‐assisted marination. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combining ability provides insightful information about the genetic mechanisms that govern the inheritance of traits and enables the identification of potential inbred lines; and promising hybrid combinations for crop improvement. However, most studies on quality protein maize (QPM) have focused on nutritional aspects, and very few are focused on their combining ability. In addition, studies on the adaptation, hybrid performance and stability of QPM in temperate areas remain scarce. Therefore, the present study sought to examine the combining ability of eight QPM inbred lines (QPM13, QPM14, QPM20, QPM21, QPM49, QPM50, VQL1, and VQL17). These 8 lines were subjected to half-diallel mating. Consequently, 28 crosses obtained were further evaluated in the temperate region of Kashmir against one check and parents in the RCBD, with three replications in a single row. The results revealed significant variances for general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for most of the recorded agronomic, yield, and quality traits. The crosses QPM49 × VQL1, QPM 13 × QPM14, QPM21 × VQL17, QPM13 × QPM50 and QPM50 × VQL17 were found to perform best in terms of earliness in tasselling (-1.842), silking (-1.204), days to mature (-2.654), highest yield (12.875 g)and protein content (1.113%), respectively. These promising crosses can be viable material sources for future QPM variety development programs in temperate regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important functional food due to its main bioactive compound, capsaicin, and other nutritional phytochemicals. However, very few studies have been conducted to develop hybrids with a high content of nutritional phytochemicals. The present study involving six parents was conducted to identify superior hybrids with higher nutritional quality based on combining ability and heterosis following Griffing's diallel Method II Model I. A broad spectrum of genetic variation among the six parents and fifteen F1 hybrids was confirmed by analysis of variance. (H1/D)0.5 value indicated that partial dominance gene action controlled all the traits except capsaicin and total phenolic content. Based on general combining ability (GCA) results, parent P3 (PLP-2s) was the best general combiner for all the traits except K and Na, followed by the parents P6 (BU Capsicum 1), P5 (Morich-8), P4 (Chili Japan) and P1 (Red Chili). Specific combining ability (SCA), along with heterotic response, revealed that the F1 hybrid P3xP6 (PLP-2s x BU Capsicum 1) was the best hybrid, followed by the hybrids P4xP6 (Chili Japan x BU Capsicum 1) and P3xP4 (PLP-2s x Chili Japan), as they exhibited superiority for major nutritional components, such as capsaicin and ascorbic acid. Ultimately, the subsequent selection of the F1 hybrids would help develop better nutritional-quality hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is an important agricultural crop ensuring food and nutritional security throughout the globe. It is highly sensitive to many of the biotic and abiotic stresses, and among them, drought is the most severe abiotic stress limiting maize production. Climate change tends to worsen this scenario by changing precipitation patterns and decreasing water availability. Hence, the present study was undertaken to identify drought‐tolerant inbred lines under well‐irrigated and managed stress conditions in the field toward developing drought‐resilient maize hybrids. The initial in vitro screening of 65 agronomically elite maize inbred lines was undertaken at 15%, 20%, and 25% polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations. Subsequently, the 15 inbreds selected for their promising performance under varying concentrations of PEG were evaluated in the pot (100%, 60%, and 40% of field capacity [FC]) and managed field experiments (moisture stress). Various physiological, biochemical, and yield attributing traits were measured among the inbreds to assess their drought tolerance potential. The analysis of variance in the pot and field experiments indicated significant genotypic differences among the inbreds and genotype × treatment interaction for different traits considered. In the pot experiment, the phenotypic correlation analysis showed a significant positive association of shoot fresh weight with plant height (r =.71), number of leaves (r =.58), relative water content (r =.60), root fresh weight (r =.58), shoot dry weight (r =.60), and SPAD meter readings under (r =.71) moisture stress condition. In the field experiment, the grain yield had a significant positive association with plant height, relative water content, SPAD before stress, ear length, ear girth, kernel rows per ear, kernels per row, and per day productivity under stress. Proline accumulation in inbreds during stress was found to be higher compared to nonstress conditions. The inbred lines CML 505, CML 444, CML 451, CML 504, QM 11408, and MAI 214 were promising for most of the drought tolerance imparting traits. These six inbreds along with four inbreds having low DRI (SKV 50, MAI E2‐163, MAI 16, and MAI E2‐241) were crossed in half diallel manner, and crosses involving low × high or high × low DRI inbreds showed higher grain yield. The current study also revealed the need of combining various physiological and yield attributing traits in drought breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet has two major heterotic groups, HGB (Heterotic Group B) and HGR (Heterotic Group R), each with unique genetic backgrounds and traits. Leveraging appropriate genetic resources is crucial for enhancing the potential of these heterotic groups in hybrid breeding programmes. Testers are essential in this context, determining the combining ability of new breeding lines and accurately assessing the performance and potential of parental lines in hybrid combinations. Two sets of test crosses were produced using line × tester mating design: Set 1 with six HGB testers crossed with new restorer lines and Set 2 with six HGR testers crossed with new seed parental lines, evaluated at multiple locations in India. Testers were evaluated for their effectiveness using multiple criteria, such as rank correlation analysis for line performance in hybrid combinations, discrimination ability, general combining ability, per se performance and Biplot analysis. These assessments determined their relative ranking, with HGB1‐T3, HGB2‐T3, HGR1‐T1 and HGR2‐T1 identified as efficient testers. The genetic analysis helps identify efficient testers for selecting superior genotypes, thereby enhancing heterotic group performance by incorporating appropriate new breeding material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Despite hybrid dominance contributing to the genetic improvement of crops, little is known about heterosis and inheritance patterns of endogenous substances in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) root bleeding sap. In this study, six sterile and six restorer lines of sorghum and 36 hybrid sorghum combinations formulated as incomplete double-row crosses were selected as test materials, and heterosis, combining ability, heritability, and their interrelationships of root bleeding sap endogenous substances in different hybrid sorghum combinations and their parents were investigated. The results showed that the root bleeding sap of the F1 generation of hybrid sorghum had a high heterosis in both soluble sugar content and amino acid content at the flowering stage, and the average high-parent heterosis was 129.34% and 74.57%, respectively. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), cytokinins (CTK), gibberellic acid (GA3), abscisic acid (ABA), soluble sugar, amino acid, and root bleeding intensity were mainly affected by non-additive genetic effects of the genes. Soluble protein was affected by additive genetic effects of the genes and had a high narrow heritability (75.50%), which could be selected at low generations in breeding. The combining ability analyses showed that the sterile lines 521A and 170A, and the restorer lines Ji318R and 0–30 were promising parents with high general combining ability. Correlation analysis showed that all endogenous substances of root bleeding sap were positively correlated with the sum of parental general combining ability (GCA) at highly significant levels, and IAA, CTK, GA3, ABA, soluble sugar, amino acid, and root bleeding intensity were positively correlated with male GCA at significant or highly significant levels. Therefore, the GCA of the restorer lines root bleeding sap endogenous material or the sum of both parents' GCA can be used to predict the performance of wounding endogenous material in the F1 generation of hybrid sorghum. Overall, this study results can help elucidate heterosis mechanisms of root bleeding sap endogenous material and improve sorghum quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present studied carried out at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Cotton Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, during 2022 and 2023 growing summer, during 2022 growing season, six cotton varieties of cotton belong to (Gossypium barbadense L.) were sowing and crossed in a half diallel mating design produce 15 F1 hybrids. The F1 hybrids and parents growing in 2023 season at randomized complete blocks design with three replications. The results showed that the squares of the genotypes, parents as well as crosses were highly significant for all traits studied with boll weight trait parents. The parental genotypes Giza 88 and Giza 92 gave significant (desirable) GCA effects for most fiber properties. Karshenky and Australy 13 showed GCA positive significant effects of most yield traits, this direction is desirable. Both of Giza 88 x Giza 86 and Australy 13 x Karshenky crosses recorded significant (desirable) SCA effects for most yield and fiber properties. Desirable relative to midand better-parent for some yield traits were found for the crosses, Giza 88 x Giza 86 and Australy 13 x Karshenky while, the crosses Giza 92 x Pima S7 and Giza 92 x Karshenky indicated desirable for some studied fiber properties. Non-additive genetic variances were larger than the additive genetic variance with respect to all traits studied. The broad sense heritability of seed cotton yield per plant was the highest value (93.91%) while the lowest value was recorded to boll weight (50.51%). Generally, Karshenky and Australy 13 could be used in breeding programs for improving high yielding varieties, while Giza 88 and Giza 92 could be considered as excellent parents for breeding programs to produce new varieties characterized with best fiber properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Amylose and resistant starch (RS) possess numerous industrial applications and health benefits. However, maize grains possess low amylose (<35%) and RS (<5%). To date, no information is available on the genetic variability of amylose and RS in subtropical maize. Here, 21 hybrids developed using half‐diallel mating design are evaluated for starch parameters at three locations. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a minor contribution for environments for amylose and RS. Amylose (22.2%–49.1%) and RS (1.02%–23.9%) showed wide variation among the hybrids. The experimental hybrids possessed significantly higher amylose (38.1%) and RS (20.9%) over the check hybrids (amylose: 29.1%, RS: 2.3%). PUSA‐AML‐H12, PUSA‐AML‐H18, and PUSA‐AML‐H16 are observed to be the most promising hybrids. Amylose and RS are positively correlated (r = 0.45), while total starch (TS) is negatively correlated with RS (r = −0.53). PMI‐AML‐147, PMI‐AML‐149, and PMI‐AML‐146 are the best general combiners for amylose and RS. Pusa‐AML‐H1, Pusa‐AML‐H12, and Pusa‐AML‐H5 emerged as the best specific combiners for amylose and RS. Both additive and nonadditive variances are important for amylose and RS. This is the first study of amylose and RS in a subtropical maize background, which could be significant in improving amylose and RS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

The article presents a study which estimated combining ability and heterosis of pearl millet hybrids for yield, and other yield components and identified superior pearl millet hybrids. Topics include analysis of variance for combining ability and estimation of variance components for grain yield and its components, estimates of general combining ability (GCA) of parents and specialized combining ability (SCA) effects of crosses, and estimates of SCA effects for eight characters in pearl millet.

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]

Plant breeders are always in pursuit of desirable genes and gene complexes, leading to identification of potential and promising individuals/segregants often exhibiting traits with higher intensity. Identifying segregants with desirable combination of multiple traits would enable a breeder to develop superior cultivars. In this study, combining ability and multiple parent‐based approach was employed to derive segregants simultaneously superior for multiple traits. Single and double crosses were developed by crossing 11 parental lines in half diallel fashion and were evaluated under seven environments. To create crosses, the parental lines with the highest positive gca effects were selected in addition to desirable yield and fibre quality traits (SCYP, NOBP, BW, GOT, UHML and FS). The positive and significantly higher gca effects in these parents is an evidence of prominence of additive and additive × additive component of genetic variance. To identify desirable segregants, six F2 populations derived from four single and their two double crosses were evaluated by raising an optimal population size of 910–935 and 3040–3055 plants for single and double crosses, respectively. In each population, proportion of desirable and simultaneous transgressive segregants was estimated. A total of 19 (2.87%), 22 (3.32%) and 24 (3.60%) plants were transgressive in nature simultaneously for multiple traits in single crosses, namely, RAHH‐1755 and RAHH‐455, and double cross, namely, RHDC‐1933, of Group I, respectively. While in Group II, 22 (3.32%), 22 (3.32%) and 24 (3.60%) plants showed simultaneous transgressive segregation in RAHH‐1702, SHH‐818 and RHDC‐1940, respectively. The per cent simultaneous transgressive segregants were found to be higher in the double crosses compared with their respective single crosses, possibly for the reason that double crosses involve more number of parents owing to increased recombination. Hence, breeding for desirable segregating recombinants using diallel and multiple parent‐based approach paves the way towards directional selection based on combining ability making it more efficient compared with conventional means of hybridization followed by selection. [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]

Information on the inheritance of adaptive traits to high plant density (HD) and low N (LN) in maize is a prerequisite for breeders to develop tolerant varieties to these stresses. The objective of the presented study was to estimate additive and dominance variances, heritability, and genetic advancement of the adaptive traits of tolerance to HD and LN stresses. Eight diverse maize inbred lines tolerant to HD and LN were options for diallel crosses. Parents and F1 crosses sustained evaluation in two seasons under nine environments, viz., three plant densities (high = HD, medium = MD, and low = LD) × three N levels (high = HN, medium = MN, and low = LN). A randomized complete block design with three replications functioned in each environment. Both additive and dominance variances were significant; dominance was appreciably higher than the additive variance in most cases. The degree of dominance was more in the over-dominance range. The highest heritability, along with the highest genetic advance, succeeded from the environment stressed for both HD and LN for leaf angle, penetrated light at the bottom of the plant, and leaf area produced 1g grain, and from the environment stressed for HD for plant height and 100-kernel weight. Moreover, the results suggested that heterosis breeding is the method of choice for the genetic improvement of most studied traits. [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]

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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.