Genetic architecture of some agronomic traits as deciphered from diallel cross analysis of Plantago ovata Forsk

From a collection of 105 genetic stocks of Plantago sp., a 7 × 7 diallel analysis was conducted for the estimation of gene action in seven parents in Plantago ovata. Using Hayman's Graphical (Wr - Vr graphs) model we analyzed the gene action for fourteen agronomic traits. The traits - days to 50% flowering, plant height, branches per plant, panicles per plant, peduncle length, panicle length, panicle weight per plot, days to maturity, seed yield per plot, inflorescence husk yield per plot, husk yield per plot and 100 seed weight exhibited overdominance whereas, leaf area and swelling factor exhibited partial dominance. The pattern of distribution of the seven parents along the regression line deciphered the absence of recessive genes in most of the traits.