Effects of Different Treatments on Seed Germination and Breaking Seed Dormancy in Wild Luffa Species

Abstract

Comprehending general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) is pivotal in maize breeding for successful hybrid development. GCA signifies the overall genetic worth of a parent, while SCA demonstrates unique interactions between parents. In instances where GCA variances surpass SCA variances, early assessments become more effective, enabling the anticipation of superior hybrids based on parental GCA impacts. Assessing the combining ability of maize becomes increasingly crucial with escalating temperatures, which can adversely affect maize growth and crop yield. Research conducted in Prayagraj involved utilizing 7x7 half diallel crosses of maize initially developed during the Rabi 2022 season, followed by their subsequent planting in a randomized block design (RBD) during spring 2023. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects exhibited by the parents and hybrids, respectively, in order to identify superior-performing parents and hybrids among them. The results showcased strong positive GCA in MILCT-145F (P7) and MILC-2050 (P6), while specific heat-tolerant hybrids, such as P7xP1, P6xP2 exhibited outstanding performance in grain yield and other associated traits.