Open AccessStudies on combining ability and gene action for yield and quality traits in Baby corn (Zea mays L.)
Author(s) -
Hemlata Kumari,
Nikhil Kumar,
Mukesh Kumar,
Kumari Rashmi
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of applied and natural science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2231-5209
pISSN - 0974-9411
DOI - 10.31018/jans.v8i3.965
Subject(s) - diallel cross , randomized block design , zea mays , mating design , fodder , biology , inbred strain , heterosis , yield (engineering) , microbiology and biotechnology , horticulture , agronomy , hybrid , gene , genetics , materials science , metallurgy
An investigation was carried out to assess the combining ability and nature of gene action in baby corn (Zea mays L.) genotypes, by making crosses of eight inbred lines namely, HKI 3209, SML 1, EC 595979, CM 128, VQL 1, G 18 seq C5 F 76-2-2-1-1-2-BBB, HKI 209, in diallel mating design (without reciprocal crosses) by following Griffing Model–I and Method–II during rabi season 2013-14 at the experimental farm of BAC, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar). The crosses were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to assess the combining ability and nature of gene action. Based on general combining ability, parents CM 128 and VQL 1 were best parent forbreeding programme for yield and quality improvement. The specific combining ability also indicates that hybrid CM128 x VQL1 was best specific combiner for baby corn yield (4.11q/ha), fodder yield (50.91q/ha) as well as for better quality. The crosses CM 128 x HKI 209 recorded the high mean (7.35%) and SCA effects (2.57 ºBrix) for quality traits. The gene action analysis also revealed preponderance of non-additive gene action for yield and its contributing characters.