Identifying superior spring wheat genotypes through diallel approaches

Abstract

Diallel crosses enable plant breeders taking decisions concerning the parental choice for developing new varieties. Recently, a large number of methodological models have been reported. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between different methods of diallel analysis and their associations with grain yield performance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) segregating populations. In this study, four methods of diallel analysis were used to estimate the general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities: (a) Griffing, (b) Multivariate analyses of diallel crosses, (c) Restricted Maximum Likelihood / Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (REML/BLUP) and d) Genotypes and Genotypes x Environments biplot (GGE biplot). Six wheat cultivars were hybridized in a partial diallel scheme and later evaluated in the along with 15 F2 segregating populations. Griffing and REML/BLUP analysis produced equivalent results for GCA and SCA and are meaningful for identifying superior inbred lines. Multivariate diallel analysis suggested the best crosses for simultaneous improvement of traits. GGE biplot method is an effective method for visual comparisons of GCA and SCA effects. Conventional and innovative methods of diallel analysis are useful, complementary and should be applied in the selection of parents and superior crosses.