Generation mean analysis for yield and quality traits in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

The present study explicates the genetics of 15 (eight yield traits and seven quality traits) basmati traits by employing generation mean analysis in six crosses of basmati rice crosses. Generation mean analysis is a biometrical tool which not only can identify presence of epistasis but also explain its types and role in inheritance of traits. Simple and Joint scaling test indicated role of epistasis in inheritance all the six crosses except for alkali spread value in the cross HUBR10-9 x PuB-1509, which showed dominance gene action. 90 individual tests each of simple and joint scaling tests divulged role of one or the other type of epistasis in inheritance of different traits in all the six crosses except for alkali spread value in cross HUBR10-9 x PuB-1509, which showed dominance gene action. Complementary digenic interaction were observed for yield per plant trait; however, other traits showed equal importance of complementary and duplicate digenic interaction in inheritance of different traits examined in the present study. Most of the traits were governed by epistatic gene action which suggested that traits of such population can be improved when the selection process is delayed. However, selection can be practiced at early stage of breeding program in such traits which were governed by additive gene action.

Keywords

• basmati
• complementary and duplicate interaction
• epistasis
• generation mean analysis