Abstract

                                Combining ability estimates were obtained from line x tester analysis of crosses involving five male sterile lines and seven pollinator varieties. Predominance of non-additive gene action was observed for all the characters studied. Ponni for productive tillers per plant and total drymatter accumulation and IR 58025 A for grain yield per plant and total drymatter accumulation were identified as superior parents with high per se performance and significant gea effects. The cross combinations V 20A X IR 50400-64-1-2-2-2, PMS 10A X Ponni and IR 6829A BR 736-20-3-1 were found to be the best specific combiners. The crosses showing significant sea for grain yield per plant were obtained from good X good, good X poor, poor X good and poor X poor combinations.

Key words : Rice, Combining ability, gea, sca