Exploring Combining Ability Analysis of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Using Line × Tester Mating Design

This study aimed to evaluate the combining ability (GCA and SCA) and genetic variability among 10 parental wheat lines (7 females and 3 males) and their 21 F1 hybrids using a line × tester mating design. The experiment, conducted at the Research Farm of BRD PG College during the 2021-2022 rabi season, assessed 13 agronomic traits, including plant height, days to flowering, biological yield, and grain yield, using a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. ANOVA results revealed significant variability among genotypes for all traits except the harvest index, indicating the presence of both additive and non-additive genetic effects. GCA analysis identified PBW-502 and SR-303 as promising parents for early flowering, reduced plant height, and yield-related traits. SCA analysis highlighted hybrids like PBW-502 × DBW-187 and SR-303 × PBW-667 as superior for traits such as early flowering, plant height, and grain yield. These findings provide essential insights for breeders to select suitable parents and hybrids, guiding effective strategies to enhance wheat productivity and agronomic performance.