Journal of Environmental Biology

Diallel analysis of growth trait inheritance in mulberry (Morus sp.)

K.R. Harika¹, S. Susikaran²*, P. Tejasree³, B. K. M. Bharathi¹, I. Garai⁴, S. A. B. Bharathi¹, V. Vasanth¹ and K. Deepa⁵      

¹Department of Sericulture, Forest College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam-641 301, India

²Directorate of Open and Distance Learning, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, India

³Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SV Agricultural College, Tirupati-517 502, India

⁴Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore-560 065, India

⁵P2 Basic seed Farm, National Silkworm Seed Organization, Central Silk Board, Madakasira- 515 301, India

Received: 22 August 2024                   Revised: 11 December 2024                   Accepted: 14 February 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : susi.agri@gmail.com                    *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0987-4636

Abstract

Aim: To assess the combining abilities of four mulberry genotypes to identify genetic variations that can enhance growth traits and improve hybridization outcomes. Ultimately, the study aims to optimize parental selection for better production in mulberry and bringing advancements in mulberry breeding.

Methodology: Griffing approach of full diallel mating design (Model 1 and Method 1) was used where parents, F1 hybrids and F1 hybrids reciprocals were included.

Results: V1 and MR2 excelled in general combining ability (GCA) for growth traits. Positive specific combining effects (SCA) were observed in V1×G4 and G4×V1 crosses. Higher specific combing ability variance and significant reciprocal combing ability (RCA) indicate strong non-additive gene action and maternal inheritance.

Interpretation: The study highlights V1 and MR2 as superior combiners with high positive GCA, emphasizing the importance of parent interactions. Non-additive gene action, indicated by higher SCA variance, suggests focusing on these interactions for breeding. The crosses V1×G4 and G4×V1 showed strong SCA effects, offering promise for improving growth and mulberry productivity in sericulture.

Key words: Additive gene effect analysis, Diallel, Growth traits, Mulberry genotypes, Non- additive gene effect

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