Combining ability for biological nitrogen fixation traits and yield components in blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

Abstract

The research programme was carried out at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1995-96. The objective was to assess the general and specific combining abilities and gene action involved in the inheritance of biological nitrogen fixation traits and yield components in blackgram, as a preliminary step for developing high yielding varieties with good biological nitrogen fixation capacity. The five lines, three testers and their 15 combinations were evaluated in a replicated field experiment and data on twelve characters were collected and subjected to line x tester analysis. The best general combiners for important biological nitrogen fixation traits were COBG305 and Pant U19 among lines and T9 among testers. The hybrid combination Pant U19 x T9 was the best specific combiner for these characters. In the case of number of pods and grain yield per plant, among. lines WBG-13 and among testers T9 were the best general combiners. The hybrids, LBG 17 x VBN 1 and WBG 13 x AKU4 were the best specific combinations for these traits. Considering the mean performance, sea effect and standard heterosis percentage Pant U 19 x T9 was identified as the best hybrid combination for nodule weight and nitrogen content at 50 per cent flowering. Regarding yield, the best hybrid was WBG 13 x AKU4. These superior combinations can be utilized further for developing improved blackgram varieties.