Estimation of Genetic Parameters of Yield and Yield Components in Rainfed Durum Wheat through Diallel Cross

Six rainfed durum wheat genotypes (Chehel daneh, Gerdish, Zardak, Syrian-1, Waha and Knd1149//68/ward) and their complete diallel progenies of F1 generation were evaluted in a randomized complete block design with two replications. Analysis of variance indicated genetic differences among genotypes. General combining ability (GCA) was significant for all of the studied traits except hundred grain weight (HGW). Specific combining ability (SCA), reciprocal and non-maternal effects were significant for grain yield (GY), HGW and flag leaf area (FLA). The results indicated low values of narrowsense heritability and superiority of dominance effect for plant height (PH), GS, GY, HKW and FLA. The cross of Waha × Knd1149//68/ward with high value of GY and GCA for this trait can be used as a suitable cross for use of heterosis. This cross was also superior to their parents according HGW, NGS and SL. Gerdish can be used as a suitable parent for breeding programs to receive lines with high yield and yield components according to positive and significant GCA for number of spikelets per spike, SL, NGS, GY and FLA. According to predominance of additive effects in genetic control of number of spikelets per spike and spike length, selection can be useful for improvement of these traits, while selection was not applicable in primary generations and should be delayed for the other traits untill advanced generations.