Studies on combining ability for fruit yield and quality attributing trait in guava (Psidium guajava L.)

AbstractThe study aimed to evaluate combining ability for yield per plant and total soluble solids (TSS) in guava using a Line × Tester analysis. Analysis of variance revealed significant variability among lines and testers, indicating considerable genetic potential for improving yield and TSS. Positive general combining ability (GCA) effects were observed for lines Valiya local (VL), CHESG-15 and Lalit for yield, and Lalit, VL, Suvarna Pink (SP), and CHESG-15 for TSS. Specific combining ability (SCA) effects were also positive for several cross hybrids, with CHESG-28 × Bhavnagar local (BL) (1.455) for yield and CHESG-15 × BL (0.941) for TSS demonstrating the highest potential for improvement. The results suggested that both additive and non-additive gene effects play a significant role in the expression of these traits. The identified good and average combiners are valuable for guava hybrid breeding, and the findings highlight the role of heterosis breeding in improving guava performance for yield and quality traits.