STUDIES ON COMBINING ABILITY IN STRAWBERRY (FRAGARIA × ANANASSA): I. NUMBER OF INFLORESCENCES, NUMBER OF FLOWERS, DAYS TO MATURITY AND NUMBER OF FRUITS

Abstract

A 10 × 10 complete diallel cross was carried out in the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). Significant general (gca) and specific combining ability (sea) effects were recorded. The variances due to general combining ability exceeded the variances due to specific combining ability. Cytoplasmic effects were also noted. The variety Kalimpong Local was found to be a good general combiner for number of inflorescences, number of flowers and number of fruits. The variety Albritton had highest gca effect for number of inflorescences. The variety Premier was a good general combiner for number of flowers. The Redcoat showed highest gca effect for days to maturity. The best specific combination for number of inflorescences was Phenomenal × Jeolikote Local in F1 and Premier × Kalimpong Local in F2. For number of fruits Albritton × Kalimpong Local and Premier × Cavalier were the best.