Analysis of Combining Ability and Gene Action for Seed Yield and its Component Traits in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh]

Background: Pigeonpea is one of India’s most essential pulse crops and it is the handiest food legume with widespread uses as food, feed, fodder and fuel. To fulfil the peoples nutrient demand, the urgent need for developing nutritious and higher productive cultivar become imperative. Therefore, this research paper seeks to explore the combining ability with the ultimate goal of advancing the development of improved varieties. Methods: An experiment was carried out in pigeonpea using Line x Tester mating design to estimate combining ability. 20 hybrids were developed by using five female lines crossed with four male testers. Result: The analysis of variance revealed significant differences of genotypes for all characters studied, indicating sufficient genetic variability for the characters. Based on results, Seed yield per plant showed a positive and significant correlation with the number of pods per plant, pod length and the number of seeds per pod. While, parents GT 102, Vaishali, GT 1 and BDN 2004-01 were found to be good general combiners. Whereas, crosses viz., GT 102 x SKNP 1408 and GT 103 x BDN 2004-01 were the most promising specific combiners for seed yield per plant.