Combining ability analysis in pigeonpea

Abstract

Ten podfly resistant lines namely, PDA 93-1E, PDA 89-2E, PDA 88-2E, SL 12-3-1, SL 21-1-3, SL 21-6-2, SL 21-9-3, SL 22-2-3 and ICP 8102-5-S1, were crossed with each of three podfly susceptible varieties viz., Bahar, ICP 5036 and T 7 in a line x tester mating design. MA2, PDA 93-1E, SL 21-9-3, Bahar and T 7 were identified as good general combiners for seed yield per plant, whereas, SL 12-3-1, PDA 88-2E, PDA 93-1E, SL 22-2-3, ICP 8102- 5-S1 and ICP-5036 were good general combiners for less pod damage and low sugar in pods. Besides, SL 12-3-1 was also desirable general combiner for thickness of podwall, total sugar and total phenols in pod. Heterosis to the extent of 73.77 and 168.42% over the standard check (Bahar) and better parent, respectively, were recorded for seed yield per plant. Five hybrids i.e., MA 2 × Bahar, PDA 93-1E × T 7, PDA 93-1E × Bahar, SL 21- 9-3 x T 7 and ICP 8102-5-S1 x T 7 exceeding above 45% standard yield heterosis were spotted out promising heterotic crosses.