Combining ability studies for yield and quality parameters in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes using diallel approach

General and specific combining ability of six basmati rice varieties and their fifteen hybrids made through diallel mating without reciprocals for different yield and quality parameters were studied to select the general combiners for future domestic breeding programs. The Analysis of Variance showed that the mean squares due to general and specific combining ability were highly significant for all the traits indicating that both additive and non-additive gene actions were involved in the inheritance of fourteen yield and quality traits. Significant SCA effects for different characters indicated preponderance of non-additive gene actions in the inheritance of the characters under study. Different lines and hybrids were found as best general and specific combiners for different yield and quality traits, respectively. Thus, important specific cross-combiners can be used effectively in crop improvement programs to develop varieties, and further validation of specific genes to develop gene-based perfect markers in rice breeding.