HETEROSIS IN DIALLEL CROSSES AMONG SIX VARIETIES OF HARD RED SPRING WHEAT

Abstract
Diallel crosses were made among six varieties of hard red spring wheat that differed considerably in yield and other characteristics. The F1 hybrids were tested at two seeding rates and the F2, hybrids at one. Heterosis was not great in either generation and no cross appeared to be promising. General combining ability was much more important than specific combining ability and parental yields gave reasonable predictions of hybrid yields. Yields of hybrids at the two seeding rates were closely correlated.