Analysis of line × tester mating design for rice (Oryza sativa L.) based on earliness, yield, and its components

Thirty F1 hybrids were planted in 2023 to evaluate an analysis of general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities, mid (MPH) and better (BPH) parent heterosis, potence ratio (PR), genetic parameters, correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA). All studied traits showed significant difference for most lines and testers through GCA effects and hybrids through SCA and heterosis effects. Both CHEOLEEON 35 and APO were identified as the best donors for early maturation (86.19 and 76.7 days, respectively). Testers MBG 5-1, Sakha Super 300, and IR 59673-93-2-3-3 R were the top donors for yield (54.67, 65.00, and 57.00 g, respectively). The combinations of hybrid GZ 10101-5-1-1-1 × APO and GZ 10101-5-1-1-1 × IR 77674-3B-8-2-2-14-4-AJY1 were the best hybrids for early maturation (88 and 89.67 days, respectively). Meanwhile Giza 177 × MBG5-1, GZ1368-S-5-4 × MBG5-1, GZ 10101-5-1-1-1 × MBG5-1), and GZ 10101-5-1-1-1 × CHEOLEEON 35 were the top performers for yield (82.67, 94, 96, and 86.67 g, respectively). Results of genetic parameters suggested that non-additive gene action effects played a significant role in controlling all traits studied compared to additive effects. Significant associations were found among the performance of F1 hybrids, SCA, MPH, BPH, and PR estimates for all traits. In PCA, the first two PCs can be read as a response to the crosses and traits examined, with both positive and negative effects on F 1 performance. The PCA can be used to identify the best hybrids and assess traits in a line × tester mating design.