Combining Ability for Flavonoids, Flavonols and Total Phenols in Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea Var. Capitata L)

Phenolics are considered as vital compounds in human health because of their major role in the defence from oxidative damage. Considering the significance of phenolic compounds, an investigation was undertaken to analyze combining ability for flavonoids, flavonols and total phenols in cabbage hybrids developed by crossing parents in different combinations. Variance among parents, crosses and parents vs. crosses were noted to be significant. The proportion of σ2gca/ σ2sca was less than unity and therefore highlighting the role of non-fixable type gene action for all compounds. The parents SEL-7, C-5 and DARL-852 were good general combiners for various traits. The crosses SEL-1 x C-3, SEL-7 x C-5, SEL-7 x C-7, C-3 x C-7, C-5 x C-1 and C-1 x D-851 exhibited significant specific combining ability (SCA) in desirable positive direction that can be exploited by breeding programme. The information could be used for developing heterotic cabbage hybrids for phenolic compounds with enhanced antioxidant activity