Combining Ability of Doubled Haploids in Coffea canephora P.

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Abstract
Fifty‐five doubled haploids (DH) of Coffea canephora were crossed with either heterozygous genotypes or DH in order to study their combining ability. Three agronomic trials were established. Marked hybrid vigour was observed for all characters analyzed including yield. Large differences were evident among top‐crosses involving different DH produced from the same parental clone reflecting the high level of heterozygosity of clones. Factorial mating design analysis indicated that all genetic variance was attributable to additive effects in estimates of yield as well as plant height and leaf characteristics. The general combining ability variance component was also predominant for stem girth and susceptibility to leaf rust, although effects due to interaction were detected. Some hybrid combinations had yield comparable to standard clonal varieties. The implications of such results for breeding of Coffea canephora are discussed. Particularly, the development of F1 hybrid varieties is envisaged.