Vol. 9, Issue 1, Part H (2025)

This study evaluated the combining ability (GCA and SCA) and genetic variability among 14 parental wheat lines (10 females, 4 males) and 40 F₁ hybrids developed using a line × tester mating design. The experiment was conducted during the rabi season 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the Research Farm of BRD (PG) College, Deoria, with randomized block design (RBD) in three replications. The study assessed multiple agronomic traits, including plant height, days to 50% flowering, spike length, and grain yield. ANOVA results confirmed significant genetic variability across hybrids, highlighting both additive and non-additive genetic effects. GCA analysis identified DBW-14 and PBW-550 as promising parents for improving yield, plant architecture, and protein content. SCA analysis revealed hybrids like NW-2036 × K-9107 and HD-2888 × HD-3171 as superior for early flowering, reduced plant height, and high grain yield. These findings provide valuable insights for breeders in selecting suitable parents and hybrid combinations to enhance wheat productivity and meet diverse agricultural demands.