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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Harnessing non-additive gene action in blackgram: Evidence from combining ability and heterosis studies

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12583
Submitted
4 November 2025
Published
02-07-2026 — Updated on 09-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) is a vital pulse crop in South Asia, valued for its nutritional quality and role in sustainable agriculture. However, yield potential remains limited due to narrow genetic variability and the absence of high-yielding cultivars. The present study evaluated 7 lines, 3 testers and their 21 hybrids through a line × tester mating design during two growing seasons to assess genetic variability, combining ability and heterosis for nine traits. Significant genetic variability was observed among parents and hybrids all traits. Line × tester analysis revealed that specific combining ability (SCA) variance exceeded general combining ability (GCA) variance for most traits, highlighting the predominance of non-additive gene action. Parents L5, L1 and L4, along with tester T1, were identified as good general combiners, while hybrids L5 × T1, L1 × T1 and L7 × T3 exhibited superior specific combining ability and heterotic effects for seed yield and related traits. Dominance variance was greater than additive variance, suggesting that heterosis breeding could be effectively utilised for genetic improvement. The findings demonstrate the potential of strategic parent selection and hybrid evaluation in developing early-maturing, high-yielding and stable cultivars, providing a strong foundation for blackgram improvement programs.

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