Line x tester analysis for yield and yield attributing traits of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes under sodic soil conditions

A hybridization program was carried out employing Line x Tester mating design in 15 rice genotypes which included: long grained-(LG); saline soil tolerant-(ST) and alkaline soil tolerant- (AT). Among the chosen genotypes, 12 genotypes (LG, ST and AT) were selected as lines and crossed with three tester (ST and AT) genotypes to obtain 36 F1s. A total of 10 yield attributing traits were studied on 36 F1s along with parents to assess the combining ability effect and type of gene action present in the experimental material. Among lines: NDRK 50024, NDRK 50012, NDRK 50035, IR61920-3B-22-2-1, IR 71895-3R-26-2-1-B; and among testers: AGAMI MI were identified as good general combiners for yield and other yield attributing traits. Percent contribution to genetic variance of lines was more than testers for all the traits studied in the experiment. 36 F1s obtained from the hybridization program was divided into six distinct types to facilitate in comprehensive study of the genetic behavior of ST and AT parental genotypes crosses sown in sodic soil conditions. Based on types of crosses, we observed AT x ST, ST x AT and LG x ST type of crosses showed positive significant SCA effects for GYPP some other yield attributing traits. High mid-parent heterosis of more than 100% was observed in five crosses out of 36; which were AT x ST and ST x AT type, for yield traits All the traits showed medium to high heritability for all the traits, among which highest heritability was exhibited for flag leaf area (60.34) followed by plant height (42.53) and spiklets per plant (40.18).