Abstract

The research was conducted at three locations during the Rabi seasons of 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 with the objective of finding out the effects of general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and heterotic response on various yield and yield component traits in wheat. In Phase I, 45 hybrids were generated through the hybridization of 15 lines with three testers. Phase II involved the use of a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, and the data were analyzed statistically. The best lines with high GCA were DH-3086, PBW-757, and tester PBW ZN1. Thus, GCA results can be used to improve yield; parent selection, and broad adaptability. High estimates of SCA were found in genotypes PBW-677 × PBW-343, PBW-822 × PBW ZN1 as well as DH-3086 × PBW-343 in traits such as grain yield/plant, harvest index, and spike length. This indicates that SCA results can be used for the identification of best crosses. Heterosis for better parent and standard varieties was identified (best genotypes were PBW-822 × PBW ZN1 and DH-3086 × PBW ZN1) that can be used for exploitation of heterosis for wheat improvement. Thus, research provides valuable insights into inheritance patterns for yield-related traits that underpin the development of advanced breeding techniques, including hybrid breeding and selection of superior parents that aimed at improving wheat production to ensure resilience against environmental stresses.

Key words: Key words: Combining ability, Heterotic response, wheat, yield and yield component