Mode of inheritance of dry matter content in onion (Allium cepa L.) bulb

Onion dry matter content is very important in terms of processing. The study was undertaken in order to investigate dry matter content inheritance pattern in fresh onion bulb. Five divergent onion genotypes, originating from different geographical areas, have been crossed. Full diallel crossing method (without reciprocals) was applied in order to obtain F1 and F2 generation offspring. Field trial including parents and F1 and F2 hybrids was performed at the Institute for Vegetable Crops experimental plot, Smederevska Palanka. The trial was conducted in randomized blocks, with five replications. Intermediate inheritance pattern prevailed for both F1 and F2 generation. Additive genetic component value was higher than dominant for both F1 and F2 generation, which implies additive effect of genes. Hybrid combination PR x BB was characterized by the highest heterosis value (11.85%). Better general combining abilities were confirmed for three lines in comparison with other lines, whereas special combining abilities were significant for one F1 hybrid. Neither general nor special combining abilities were significant for F2 generation