Estimation of combining ability and gene action for yield and yield attributes in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) via line × tester analysis

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is an important pulse crop in Asia due to its high nutritional value, rapid growth and ability to grow in a variety of environments. Despite its importance, mungbean production remains low due to a tiny genetic base and a lack of suitable parental lines for breeding operations. Using the line × tester mating design, this study investigated the combining ability and gene action for yield-related traits in mungbean. In summer 2021, at the Seed Breeding Farm, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, evaluated forty crossings derived from ten lines and four testers. The tests were conducted using a randomised block design with 3 replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant variations between genotypes for all the traits, indicating a high level of genetic variation. For most features, the variance in specialised combining ability (SCA) exceeded the variance in general combining ability (GCA). This shows that non-additive gene activity has a significant influence. TJM 196, HUM 1, TMB 37, TJM 136, Kanika and Virat were identified as superior general combiners, while crosses TMB 37 × Virat, PDM 11 × Virat, TJM 3 × Kanika, SL 668 × Kanika, TJM 136 × Shikha, TJM 196 × Shikha, TJM 196 × Kanika and HUM 1 × Shikha exhibited high SCA effects for yield and its component traits. The predominance of non-additive gene action suggests that heterosis breeding or hybridisation, followed by selection in segregating generations, has the potential to greatly boost mungbean yields. These findings provide important guidance for the selection of promising parental lines and cross combinations in future mungbean enhancement initiatives.