Combining ability and heterobeltiosis for yield and yield-attributing traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

A line (7) x tester (3) analysis was made to estimate combining ability effects and heterosis over better parent in Indian
mustard (Brassica juncea L.) during Rabi season 2014-15. There was significant variation among the parents and
crosses and the average heterosis was exhibited for seed yield plant-1 and component traits. Combining ability effects
revealed that DRMR-150-35, RH-932 and TM-2 were good general combiners among the parents whereas DRMR 150-35
x Pusa Bold, GM-3 x SEJ-2 and MCP 802 x SEJ-2 were the best specific combiners. Greater SCA variance than GCA was
observed for all the characters indicating greater role of non-additive gene action. Heterosis over better parent
(heterobeltiosis) was high in DRMR-15 x SEJ-2, DRMR 150-35 x Pusa Bold, RH-932 x TM-2 and GM-3 x SEJ-2. Therefore,
based on mean performance and GCA effects, the most promising parents were DRMR 150-35, TM-2 and RH-932 and
based on SCA effects and heterosis, DRMR 150-35 x Pusa Bold, MCP 802 x SEJ-2, RH 932 x TM-2 and GM-3 x SEJ-2 were
the most potential crosses.