Elucidation of Nature of Gene Action and Combining Ability Associated with Economic Traits in Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

Abstract

Background: Narrow genetic base and lack of exploitable variation have become a major constraint for yield improvement in greengram. Identifying genetically superior parents and breeding scheme to be adopted become a pre-requisite for the development of elite cultivars. Thereby, blending the knowledge on gene action and combining ability plays a key role. Materials: Combining ability analysis was carried out in twenty-five crosses derived out of Line x Tester mating design using 5 lines and 5 testers. The hybrids, parents and the check variety were evaluated in a RBD with two replications and ten quantitative characters were recorded. Result: Non-additive gene action was found to be prevalent for the quantitative traits observed. Exploring the per se and gca effects, COGG13-39 and VGG18-002 were adjudged as the best parents and the crosses involving above parents will be productive for synthesizing a dynamic population with superior recombinants. Meanwhile, exploring the per se, sca and heterosis, the best specific crosses identified for seed yield/plant and pods per plant were, V2709 x GAM5 and COGG13-39 x VGG16-058. They can be further exploited to obtain transgressive segregants for higher yield, bold seeds and bruchid resistance through appropriate breeding strategy.