Diallel analysis of agronomic traits in winter rye.

An analysis of combining ability of rye, based on F1 generation hybrids, was performed in order to select lines of high effects of general combining ability which are useful for creation of population and synthetic varieties as well as hybrids giving high effects of specific combining ability. The main aim of the present paper was to recognize the actions of genes responsible for quantitative traits and combining ability of rye inbred lines on the basis of F1  and F2  hybrids analysis.The study material included 56 F1 generation hybrids obtained though diallel-cross with 8 parent lines as well as 56 F2  generation hybrids crossed with 8 parent lines.A genetic analysis of generation F2 yields results and GCA estimates which substantially correspond with those obtained for generation F1. The closest results were obtained for plant height, ear length and 1000-grain weight. For cultivation purposes, an analysis of generation F2  will be reliable and the selection based on it successful. Most of the studied lines were found to essentially influence the effects of general combining ability. The most recommendable is the line SMH-49 whose progeny was characterized both by shortened leaves and increased 1000-grain weight and the weight of grains per ear.