Deciphering combining ability for yield and its components under saline environment in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Line x tester analysis was performed with six lines and four testers and resulted 24 hybrids along with parents were evaluated for salinity conditions. Analysis of variance showed significant differences between lines, testers and crosses for all the parameters except 1000 grain weight. SCA mean squares were substantially larger than GCA mean squares, showing a prevalence of dominance gene action in parents and hybrids for tolerance to salinity conditions. Among the lines and testers, KPS 10642, KPS 10640, KPS 10651, RNR 11718 and CSR 36 were proven to be a good combiners for increasing yield under salt stress conditions. The hybrids viz., KPS 10651 x CSR 36, KPS 10651 x RNR 11718, KPS 10642 x KPS 2874, KPS 10651 x CSR 23, KPS 10640 x CSR 36, KPS 10640 x CSR 23, KPS 10642 x RNR 11718, KPS 10642 x CSR 36 and KPS 10642 x CSR 23 were found to be good specific combiners. The crosses KPS 10651 x RNR 11718, KPS 10642 x KPS 2874, KPS 10651 x CSR 36, KPS 10651 x CSR 23 and KPS 10640 x CSR 36 demonstrated significant results with respect to mean and sca effects.