Assessment of Gene Action and Genetic Variability for Seedling Growth Traits in Mulberry (Morus spp.)

Abstract

Information regarding the nature of gene action controlling the yield and its related traits is crucial for designing an effective breeding strategy. With this aim, a study was carried out to assess the genetic control and variation among lines and testers for seedling attributes in mulberry. The percentage contribution of testers, lines and their interactions to the total variation indicated that the female parents (lines) contributed more to the overall variability than the male parents (testers) for all traits. The variance due to lines was statistically significant for germination percentage, seedling height at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS), no. of leaves per plant. Internodal distance, single leaf area and fresh leaf weight per plant. On the other hand, the variance attributed to testers was significant for germination percentage and fresh leaf weight per plant, but not for the other characteristics observed. The interaction effects between lines and testers were highly significant for germination percentage, seedling height at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, no. of leaves per plant, internodal distance, single leaf area and fresh leaf weight per plant. The variance due to crosses was highly significant for all traits examined. The study aimed to estimate the extent of general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) variances and determine the mode of gene action controlling these traits. Findings showed that the non-additive gene effects were predominant for most of the growth traits in this study.