Combining abilities for head height and head width in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Abstract

Used in this study were seven divergent cabbage cultivars, which were subjected to complete diallel crossing. Head height and head width are important traits in breeding. Looking at all the traits and cultivars as a whole, the following parents appeared the most often as general combiners: Kboce, Futoski, and SM-10. Higher heterosis values will be obtained by crossing cultivars with high GCA values. Significant SCA values and expression of heterosis in a larger number of combinations would enable the correct choice of parents in developing F-1 cabbage hybrids. The results showed significant divergence of the traits under study, which will also constitute an important source of variability for future cycles of selection.