Abstract:
Information on combining ability and heterotic grouping for newly developed inbred
lines is of paramount importance to design future breeding strategies for the development of
hybrid and synthetic varieties. The objectives of the present study were to examine combining
ability and to determine heterotic groups of the inbred lines for grain yield and other desirable
traits. Twenty five inbred lines were used for the formation of the experimental crosses using line
x tester mating design. The resulting 50 F1 crosses plus two standard checks (BH540 and
BH543) were evaluated at Bako, Western Ethiopia in 2012 main cropping season. The entries
were arranged in alpha lattice design with three replications.
