Deciphering combining behaviour and magnitude of heterosis in bread wheat cross combinations under sub-tropical region

The purpose of this research was to examine the extent of heterosis in 21crosses of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). These hybrids originated from a line × tester mating scheme in which seven lines were crossed with three testers. Combining ability analysis revealed that the parental lines HP-25 and HD-3086 performed well for grain yield, while HP-24, HP-22, and HP-06 were observed to be better for other qualities that contribute to yield. Significantly higher positive Specific Combining Ability (SCA) for grain yield per plant was observed for the crosses HP-22 × JAUW-683, HP-44 × HD-3086, and HP-45 × RSP-561 suggesting the role of non-additive gene action. The ratio of variances was observed to be less than unity indicating the presence of non-additive genetic effects in these cross combinations. In terms of heterotic impacts on grain yield, yield contributors, and morpho-physiological features, HP-06 × RSP-561 was shown to be the best combination.