Abstract

Combining ability analysis helps in the evaluation of inbreds in terms of their genetic value and in the selection of suitable parents for hybridization. It also helps in the identification of superior cross combinations. In the present study, the general combining ability of the 12 parents and specific combining ability of 35 crosses were estimated through combining ability analysis for yield, yield components and juice quality characters in sweet sorghum using a line x tester mating design. The estimated components of gca and sca variances showed preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the characters studied. This showed the possibilities of improvement of these traits through heterosis breeding. Based on gca effects the lines BJ 3A, CK 60A and AKMS 22A and the testers RSSV 9, SSV 84 and ASV 9401 were good combiners for most of the characters. These parents can be used in pedigree breeding programme for incorporation of desired traits. The hybrid combinations AKMS 22A x RSSV 9, BJ 3A x VMS 98001, BJ 3A x RSSV 9, AKMS14A x RSSV 9 and CK 60 A x VMS 98001 were recorded as the best specific combiners. These hybrids could be exploited for heterosis breeding programme.

Keywords: sweet sorghum, combining ability, non-additive gene action