COMBINING ABILITY ANALYSIS FOR RESISTANCE TO PREHARVEST SPROUTING IN MUNGBEAN (VIGNA RADIATA (L.) WILCZEK)

Abstract

The Combining ability analysis of 30 crosses, obtained from 5 lines and 6 testers, were made for preharvest sprouting in mungbean. Genetic analysis indicated the predominance of additive gene action for pod beak length, pod wall thickness and pod wall epicuticular wax, while hard seed per cent and preharvest sprouting were under the control of non-additive gene action. Both additive and non-additive gene actions were found to operate for moisture absorption rate through the pod wall. Among the lines LGG-450, LGG-440 and among testers ML-267, Pusa-I05 and MGG-295 were found to be good general combiners for the traits responsible for resistance to preharvest sprouting. Five crosses viz., LGG-450 x PDM-54, LGG-450 x LGG-407, LGG- 440 x LGG-407, K-851 x MGG-295 and V-2764 x Fusa-I05 were found to be the best specific combiners for developing preharvest sprouting resistant progenies in mungbean.