title: The utility of covariance of combining ability in plant breeding.
abstract: The definition of covariances of half- and full sibs, and hence that of variances of general and specific combining ability with regard to a quantitative character, is extended to take into account the respective covariances between a pair of characters. The interpretation of the dispersion and correlation matrices of general and specific combining ability is discussed by considering a set of single, three- and four-way crosses, made using diallel and line × tester mating systems in Pennisetum typhoides. The general implications of the concept of covariance of combining ability in plant breeding are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Arunachalam