Combining Ability Studies for Identifying High Sugar Yielding Sweet Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] Genotypes

Combining ability analysis provides information about the gene action involved in the expression of a trait and facilitates breeding of superior cultivars. Hence, 45 hybrids evolved from 10 parent half-diallel were evaluated for combining ability to identify good general combiners and superior cross combinations for high ethanol yield from sweet sorghum. RSSV-21-2 has been identified as the best general combiner. It can be used in pedigree breeding programme for the incorporation of desired traits for enhancing ethanol yield. ARS-SS-35-1 × NSS-218 and ARS-SS-83 × NSS-221-2 have been identified as the best specific combinations. These could be exploited in heterosis breeding programme.