Genetical analysis for wheat genotypes using a half-diallel model under different sowing conditions

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Genetics
• Plant Breeding

Background:

• Understanding genetic variation is crucial for improving crop traits.
• Optimizing sowing dates significantly impacts crop performance and yield.
• Bread wheat breeding requires strategies to enhance productivity and climate resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the genetic effects of sowing dates on bread wheat traits using a half-diallel model.
• To evaluate general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities of wheat genotypes.
• To identify superior hybrids exhibiting significant heterosis for grain yield under optimal and late sowing.

Main Methods:

• A half-diallel cross of six bread wheat genotypes was conducted.
• Parents and F1 crosses were evaluated under optimum and late sowing dates.
• Analysis of variance and combining ability (GCA/SCA) were performed to assess genetic effects.

Main Results:

• Sowing dates significantly affected most traits, with notable genotype-by-sowing date interactions.
• GCA and SCA variances were significant for most traits, indicating both additive and non-additive gene effects.
• Several crosses, particularly P5 × P6, showed high positive heterosis for grain yield under both sowing conditions, outperforming mid and better parents.

Conclusions:

• The study identified promising wheat hybrids with potential for pure line development.
• Selected hybrids demonstrate adaptability to late sowing, crucial for climate change mitigation.
• The findings provide a model for breeding programs targeting early maturity, high yield, and improved quality under variable conditions.