Indian Mustard Genotypes Research Articles

Stability analysis on elite genotypes of Indian Mustard (Brassica Juncea L.) in Terai Agro-Climatic Region

Abstract Among the oilseed crops, mustard has gained precedence in the human diet due to its superior oil quality. Genotype × environment interactions have a significant effect on plant breeding because it reduces the stability of the genotypes in diverse environments. In order to assess the impact of environments on genotypes and determine the stable genotypes in terms of seed yield and yield attributing characters in the terai agro-climatic zone, seventy-one Indian mustard genotypes were evaluated during two consecutive years,namely, 2017-18 and 2018-19, focusing on nine quantitative characters across six environments. Eberhart and Russell model (1966) of stability analysis revealed that various genotypes exhibited adaptability to favourable and unfavourable environments for different characters, influenced by the different sowing dates over the two years. However, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 to be well adapted in terai agro-climatic zone in respect to seed yield and plant height, while Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) were adapted to specifically favorable (rich) environment for the seed yield. In terms of secondary branches per plant and number of siliquae on branches, Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) showed adaptability across all types of environments. Therefore, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 were identified as stable genotypes for optimum seed yield across different environmental conditions. Keyword: Mustard, G × E interaction, stability, , Regression, Deviation from regression, Brassica juncea

Understanding nitrogen allocation dynamics in Indian mustard: Insights from enzyme activity and ideotype analysis

The study explores the effect of varying levels of nitrogen (N) application on N allocation in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes from vegetative to the generative phases. The use of a heat map and PCA biplot analysis identifies two distinct sets of ideotypes. The first set is represented by genotype IC212031 having “Stay-green” phenotype with effective N regulating enzymes, high N uptake (NUpt) and better root development. The second set of ideotype is represented by HB9902 having delayed flowering phenology phases. The study highlights the relevance of Nitrate reductase (NR) in the final oil buildup in seeds (r = 0.5, p = 0.09). The considerable rise in NR activity from pre-anthesis to post-anthesis stages translates to higher seed storage compounds such as oil (r=−0.65, p = 0.03). And the developed prediction models confirmed the significance of these stages (pre-anthesis and post-anthesis) in the accumulation of seed storage components with emphasis on oil content. Similarly, this prediction model helps us to study the cause and effect relationship between various factors and oil content. The notable rise in Nitrite reductase (NiR) activity during the post-anthesis phase suggests its role in assimilating N for the storage of seed components, most likely proteins. Further, the inverse relationship between seed N (−0.53,p= 0.09) and oil content (−0.65, p= 0.03) confirmed that at the post anthesis stage the allocation of N towards precursor carbon compounds happens, which in turn forms either proteins or lipids. This becomes a critical factor in determining the final composition of the seed. Irrespective of N treatment and genotype, the N allocation follows the pattern: seed > siliquae husk > stover > root. However, higher N application rates primarily result in increased NUpt, but not necessarily improve utilisation. Overall, the study highlights the roles of root characteristics, N metabolising enzymes, and flowering phenology in enhancing N allocation and seed production in Indian mustard offering valuable insights for breeding strategies to enhance seed yield, oil content and nutrient efficiency in oilseed crops.

Estimation of Heterosis for Plant Growth, Oil Content and Yield Related Traits in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss] Using Half Diallel

Genetic investigation was carried out diallel design for heterosis analysis studies the experimental material comprised with eight parents with two checks was carried out to identify high heterotic crosses and their relationship in Indian mustard. Several hybrids exhibited heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for seed yield per plant and other characters. The heterosis analysis revealed substantial hybrid vigor across 28 hybrid crosses, with noteworthy improvements in traits such as earlier flowering, earlier maturity, and increased seed weight. The seed yield per plant exhibited better parent heterosis ranging from -20.71% to 16.28%, with five crosses yielding more seeds than their better parents. P3 (PM-22) X P8 (RH-749) was the best cross, with a 16.28% increase. Standard heterosis ranged from -38.72% to 35.14%, with ten crosses showing significant positive heterosis. The findings from this investigation provide crucial insights into the genetic performance and breeding potential of Indian mustard genotypes. The identified parental lines and cross combinations with desirable heterosis effects offer valuable resources for breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding and resilient mustard varieties, contributing to the advancement of agricultural practices and crop improvement. The above best parent and best crosses can be used in hybridization and heterosis breeding respectively.

Genotype by environment interaction in mustard (Brassica juncea) under Terai Agro-Climatic zone using the AMMI model and GGE biplot

In the present experiment, 71 Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes were evaluated in six environments for two successive years (three environments in each year) to identify the influence of environment over the genotypes and to identify the stable, better-performing genotypes in respect to yield in Terai region of West Bengal. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate genotype × environment interaction using two different approaches, namely, additive main effect, and their multiplicative interaction model (AMMI) and genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot for seed yield of mustard genotypes. AMMI ANOVA showed that genotype and environment accounted for 11.46% and 47.50% of the variation respectively, where GEI captured 36.57% of the variation for seed yield. The AMMI model and GGE biplots showed that genotype RGIN-73 was the highest yielding genotype to a specific environment but DRWR-15-9 was found to be well stable with good yielding in all environments.

Assessment of Genetic Variability for Seed Yield and Related Traits in Some Mutant and Non-mutant Lines of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A study was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability for seed yield and related traits in 29 genotypes of Indian mustard during Rabi 2019-20 and Rabi 2020-21 at Experimental Farm, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, AAU, Jorhat. The genotypes comprised of 21 M4-5 mutant lines developed by gamma irradiation of the parent varieties TM-2 and PM-27, 5 newly developed F6-7 lines, and 3 check varieties (TM-2, PM-27 and NRCHB-101). Pooled analysis of variances over the years revealed significant variation for most of the characters observed. The characters seed yield per plant, number of primary branches per plant and number of secondary branches per plant exhibited moderate genetic variation. Moderate heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for number of secondary branches per plant whereas, number of primary branches per plant showed high heritability with moderate genetic advance. The genotypes JMM-TM2-17, JMM-TM2-15, JMM-TM2-34, JMM-TM2-10, JMM-PM27-1, JM13-6 and the variety NRCHB-101 were found promising for most of the yield attributing characters. The mutant line JMM-TM2-28 and recombinant line JM13-4 may be exploited for the development of early-maturing mustard varieties.

Effect of High Temperature on Growth and Yield Attributes of Indian Mustard Genotypes Due to Late Sown

The present investigation entitled “Effect of high temperature on growth and yield attributes of Indian mustard genotypes due to late sown” was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with 12th new promising mustard genotypes viz., Vardan, Ashirwad, NPJ-207, NPJ-208, RGN-403, PBR-417, DRMRIJ 16-3, DRMR-2035, RRN-911, RH-1556, RGN-368 and BPR 541-4 widely differing in their growth behavior during two consecutive years (2017-18 and 2018-19). Study their genotypic variability for morphological, yield, and its attributes under late sown conditions. Results revealed that growth in terms of plant height, biomass accumulation, branching behavior, leaf area, growth parameters, yield, and its components varied significantly among tested mustard genotypes during both years of study under late-sown conditions. Findings indicated that mustard genotypes viz., DRMRIJ 16-3, RGN-403, and RH-1556 recorded higher values of total branches plant-1, leaf area (cm2), dry matter accumulation at harvest (g), siliquae on different branches, number of seeds/siliqua, seed yield/plant, biological yield per plant, test weight, harvest index as compared to other genotypes under late sown condition.

Genetic manipulation of Indian mustard genotypes with WRR-gene(s) confers resistance against Albugo candida.

Brassica species is the second most important edible oilseed crop in India. Albugo candida (Pers.) Kuntze, a major oomycete disease of oilseed brassica causing white rust, leads to 60% yield loss globally. The prevalence of A. candida race 2 (Ac2V) that specifically infects B. juncea, coupled with limitations of conventional methods has resulted in a dearth of white rust resistance resources in cultivated varieties. In an effort to develop resistant plants, Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation of three B. juncea genotypes viz., susceptible host var. Varuna, along with its doubled haploid mutant lines C66 and C69 (showing moderate tolerance to field isolates of A. candida) was initiated to transfer resistance genes (WRR8Sf-2 and WRR9Hi-0) identified in Arabidopsis thaliana against race Ac2V, that encode for Toll-like/interleukin-1 receptor-nucleotide binding-leucine-rich repeat proteins that recognize effectors of the pathogen races. Our results demonstrate that introduction of resistance genes from a tertiary gene pool by genetic transformation enhances disease resistance in B. juncea genotypes to a highly virulent Ac2V isolate.

Study of resistance mechanism of Alternaria blight (Alternaria brassicicola) by biochemical markers in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. &Coss.).

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is an important oilseed crop in India. Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria blight) is incited by the fungus Alternaria brassicicola. It majorly affects crop production leading to a yield loss of up to 70%. To circumvent this problem, the study of the resistance mechanism and identification of biochemical markers is one of the important strategies for its management. In the present study, a total of 219 genotypes of Indian mustard with check were screened for Alternaria blight over two seasons. Based on the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) scores, ten consistently performing genotypes were selected for the screening of biochemical and yield attributes under artificial inoculated conditions of Alternaria brassicicola (Berk) Sacc. The result showed a negative correlation between disease and yield attributes. The catalase (CAT) activity was significantly increased in resistant genotypes compared to susceptible ones, indicating the crucial role of CAT in the resistance mechanism. Pathogen infection also increases the total protein content and the Alternaria-resistant genotype showed the highest total soluble protein while the susceptible genotype showed the lowest total soluble protein. The ten genotypes were categorized by SSI (stress susceptibility index) and Varuna was identified as a tolerant genotype and Giriraj as a susceptible genotype for Alternaria brassicicola (Berk) Sacc. Varuna and Giriraj were chosen for quantitative analysis of methionine and tryptophan amino acids from seeds using RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and there were significant differences in the levels of methionine and tryptophan between the Varuna and Giriraj genotypes. Varuna showed higher methionine and tryptophan content compared to the Giriraj genotype. Higher protein content demonstrated an increase in biotic stress-responsive amino acids, such as methionine and tryptophan, suggesting increased resistance to Alternaria diseases in these high-protein genotypes. These amino acids could be used as biochemical markers for Alternaria resistance of mustard.

Targeted yield approach based site specific nutrient management in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) genotypes

A field experiment was conducted at MARS, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka during rabi season 2022-23 on Vertisols to evaluate the suitability of site specific nutrient management on growth and yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) genotypes through targeted yield approach for fertilizer recommendations. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design, horizontal strips with four genotypes viz., TDM-304-1, TDM-304-1, TDM- 304-1 and NRCHB-101 and vertical strips with three targeted yield levels viz., 15, 20 and 25 q ha-1. Genotype TDM-305- 1 recorded significantly higher seed yield (1622 kg ha-1) over other genotypes. SSNM based fertilizer application for 20 q ha-1targeted yield recorded significantly higher seed yield (1633 kg ha-1) over 15 and 20 q ha-1. In interaction, genotype TDM-305-1 with a target yield level of 20 q ha-1 recorded higher seed yield (1789 kg ha-1) as compared to rest of the treatment combinations. The better yield response of improved genotype TDM-305-1 at 20 q ha-1 yield target recoded significantly higher net returns (`49463 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.59). From the present investigation, it was found that genotype TDM-305-1 at 20 q ha-1 yield target recorded significantly higher nutrient uptake of NPK & S and the oil content (39.4%) and oil yield (702.2 kg ha-1).

PCA-BASED MULTIVARIATE APPROACH FOR SEGMENTATION OF VARIANCE IN INDIAN MUSTARD (BRASSICA JUNCEA [L] CZERN & COSS)

The presented study assessed 27 Indian mustard (Brassica juncea [L.] Czern & Coss) genotypes for 13 quantitative and one biochemical trait by a PCA-dependent multivariate analysis, which split the total divergence into 14 accountable principal components among them. The first five PCs, which showed an Eigenvalue of more than one, contributed significantly to about 76.35% of the total divergence. Interpretation of the PCA-Biplot declared that the genotypes, namely, two and 11, mostly subsidized the overall variance, which is about 20% and 17%, respectively. The study of the bar plot of contribution percentage presented relevance with the PCA-biplot study, which again indicated the significance of genotypes two and 11 in total variance. The biplot analysis revealed that traits, NSB and SYP, contribute appreciably to the variation of the genotypes placed in the second coordinate, showing a detrimental interference with PC 1 and positive interference with PC 2. Likewise, in the third coordinate, traits, such as LMS, influenced the variance of the genotypes of that coordinate. The percentage contribution study for features in the first and second PCs revealed that characteristics, such as, LMS, PH, NSMS, BYP, NSS, and SYP participated prominently to accelerate the total variance. This research work can be a groundwork for further crop improvement featuring the studied materials.

Phenotypic characterization of Indian mustard using agronomic and quality traits under semi‐arid climate

AbstractIndian mustard is an important oilseed crop in India. The productivity of Indian mustard needs to be increased in marginal environments such as in arid and semi‐arid areas to boost production. For this, identification of promising genotypes with high yield and quality under arid and semi‐arid climate is required. In this study, 65 genotypes of Indian mustard were evaluated in Augmented Randomized Block Design in the Purulia district of West Bengal, a mustard growing zone characterized by red laterite soil and semi‐arid climate. Considerable variation was observed between the genotypes for most characters such as number of seeds per siliqua (coefficient of variation [CV] 7.39%), followed by days to first flowering (CV 6.9%) and total number of siliquae (CV 6.43%), respectively. However, variation was less for days to maturity and quality parameters. Strong positive correlations were observed between many traits such as number of branches and number of siliquae on branches (0.82), number of branches and siliquae per plant (0.73), number of branches and yield per plant (0.72), number of siliquae on branches and siliquae per plant (0.91), number of siliquae on branches and seed yield per plant (0.76). Relatively strong negative correlation was observed only between oil and glucosinolate content (−0.60). Most of the traits showed high heritability along with high genetic advance over mean. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis classified the genotypes into six clusters. Based on yield, its components, and other quality parameters, promising genotypes such as Pusa Mahak, Narendra Ageti Rai 4, and JM‐1 were identified. These genotypes may be targeted for further genetic improvement or be incorporated in breeding programmes for developing high‐yielding mustard varieties for arid and semi‐arid climate.

Effect of Genotype × Environment interaction for agro-physiological traits in thermo-tolerant early maturing Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss) genotypes under heat stress condition

Brassica juncea is the predominant oilseed brassica in the Indian subcontinent. It accounts for about 80 per cent of the total area under rapeseed-mustard cultivation in India. A study was carried out at the research farm of ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur during rabi 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 to study effect of Genotype × Environment interaction and genetic variability of early maturing thermo-tolerant genotypes of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss). G x E interaction was significant for all the characters viz., days to flowering, days to maturity, seed yield (kg/ha), membrane stability index (%), excised leaf- water loss (%), relative water content (RWC %), and water retention capacity of leaves (%) except 1000-seed weight. G x E interaction (linear) was also significant for all these eight characters, indicating substantial amount of predictable G x E interaction. Genotype DRMRHT-13-13-5-4 attained minimum days to maturity (122.88) alongwith regression coefficient near to unity and S2 di near to zero considered as stable. While the genotype DRMRHT-13-13-5-5 attained minimum days to maturity (124.44) alongwith regression coefficient near to unity exhibit average stability. Genotype DRMRHT-13-13-5-4, DRMRHT-13-13-5-5 and DRMRHT-13-22-10 could be included in breeding programme where objective is to develop high yielding and heat tolerant stable genotypes over the environment.

Selection of elite genotypes of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) through AMMI, GGE biplot and MTSI

Forty-five Indian mustard genotypes were evaluated under four environments. Significant G × E interaction leads to stability analysis using AMMI, GGE biplot and MTSI. GGE biplot identified G43 as a vertex genotype in E1 and E2; G41 in E3 and E4 for seed yield and G16 in E1 and E2; G11 in E3 and G13 in E4 for oil content. AEC illustrated that G27 and G30 were most stable for seed yield and G14 for oil content. Environment, E1 and E4 were more discriminating whereas E1 and E3 were more representative for seed yield and oil content, respectively. MTSI identified promising genotype G42, G43, G45, G40, G41 and G44. According to AMMI, E1 and E2 were potential whereas E3 and E4 were poor environment. Genotypes G39, G2, G18 and G6 for seed yield whereas G45 and G9 for oil content were broadly adapted to all environments.

Studies on Components of Genetic Variability in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss.) Genotypes across Five Locations in Northern Karnataka

Indian mustard is one of the prominent edible oil yielding crops cultivated in India, with oil content ranging from 37 to 48%. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the variability in eight promising genotypes of Indian mustard along with two checks, Dodda Sasive and NRCHB-101, laid in RCBD with three replications at five different locations across Karnataka. The observations were recorded for 12 biometric traits of mustard, including seed yield and oil content and analyzed using a combined ANOVA. Biometric tools like heritability and genetic advance are crucial components of genetic variability that serve to assess variation in the available germplasm and assist in the selection of a desirable genotype. The traits, number of secondary branches and racemes per plant have registered a high genotypic coefficient of variance as well as a high genetic advance as a percent of the mean indicating the possibility of rapid improvement. A minimal influence of the environment was noticed in the expression of 8 traits out of 12 that exhibited high heritability in a broad sense. Among all the traits, only seed yield exhibited a high genetic advance coupled with moderate heritability, which signifies that seed yield is governed by additive gene effects. The genotypes that exhibited superior performance with respect to yield across all the locations were TM-210, TM-136 and KMR (E) 16-11.

Genetic variation and correlations for some physiological characters and seed yield in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under rainfed conditions

An experiment was conducted with 42 Indian mustard genotypes in Randomized Complete Block design to estimate genetic parameters and correlations of some physiological characters and seed yield under rainfed conditions. Specific leaf area, transpiration rate and relative water content were recorded at 30 (vegetative stage), 45-50 (50% flowering stage) and 60-65 days aftersowing (full flowering stage). Total drymatter, harvest index, pod intensity, pod area on main and primary branches, seed : husk ratio and seed yield were recorded at the time of harvest. The analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied. The maximum phenotypic and genotypic variability was observed for transpiration rate at full flowering stage. Heritability estimates in broad-sense were high for all the characters except relative water contents (RWC) at all the 3 stages, pod area of main and primary branches and pod intensity on main shoot. High heritability combined with high genetic advance was observed for specific leaf area at all the 3 stages, transpiration rate at 50%and fullflowering and total drymatter/plant suggested scope for selection for these characters owing to predominance of additive effects in the expression of these characters. Seed yield/plant had significant and positive correlations with harvest index (r = 0.581**), total drymatter/plant (r = 0.869**), pod intensity on main shoot (r = 0.467**), pod area of main (r = 0.536**) and primary branches ((r = 0.317*) and RWC at all the 3 developmental stages. Thus, selection for high harvest index, total dry matter/plant and pod intensity coupled with low transpiration rate at flowering stage, resulting in maintenance of high RWC in leaves, should be emphasized to increase yield under rainfed conditions.

Stability Analysis for Seed Yield Trait in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.)

Present study was undertaken to estimate the magnitude of genotype × environment interaction (GEI) and to identify stability of improved and high-yielding varieties of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czerns & coss.). The 57 Indian mustard genotypes were evaluated in RBD along with three replications during Rabi crop seasons in three environments. Analysis of variance on 14 traits was carried out individually as well as pooled over environments. Yield stability was analysed employing Eberhart and Russell’s model [1] which revealed highly significant differences among genotypes and environments. Mean squares due to environment + genotype x environment interactions (E + G x E) indicated that genotypes interacted considerably with environmental conditions. Further, partitioning of E+G x E effects indicated that E (linear), G x E (linear) components were highly significant for grain yield. Genotypes RH-749, DRMR 1165-40 X RH-406, DRMR IJ-31 X RH-749 had high mean than general mean coupled with regression coefficient close to unity bi = 1 and S2di = 0 and are identified as most stable and desirable Indian mustard genotypes.

Combining ability analysis for seed yield and its attributes in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss

The hybrids were developed by adopting diallel mating design excluding reciprocals involving ten diverse Indian mustard genotypes during rabi 2007-08. The resultant 45 hybrids along with their parents were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with three replications under four environments viz., timely sown at Sardarkrushinagar (E1) and Ladol (E2), and late sown at Sardarkrushinagar (E3) and Ladol (E4), during rabi 2008-09. Combining ability analysis on pooled basis, revealed importance of both additive and non-additive genetic variances for the control of various traits. However, the ratio σ2 gca/σ2 sca indicated preponderance of non-additive gene action for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, seed yield/plant and oil content, while additive gene action was preponderant for rest of the traits. The parents RK 9501, GM 1 and GM 2 were good general combiners, whereas, the crosses 'RK 9501 x GM 2', 'GM 1 x GM 3' and 'GM 3 x SKM 139' were found to be the best specific combinations for seed yield/plant and some of the important yield contributing traits. However, on the basis of per se performance, exploitable heterosis and significant sca effects for seed yield/plant and some of its important components, the above hybrids were considered to be the most promising for exploitation of heterosis.

Path coefficient analysis of seed yield in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.] under drought

The present investigation was carried out to assessthe components ofseed yield under droughtstress using pathcoefficient analysis. Twenty two genotypes ofIndian mustard were grown in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications during rabi, 2007-08. Analysis of variance indicated presence of variability in theexperimental genotypesforseed yield and other morpho-physiological characters except main shoot length, harvest index, protein content, SLW at 35 days aftersowing (DAS) and seed: husk ratio. Seed yield/plant was positively and significantly correlated at both phenotypic and genotypic levels with days to maturity, plant height, primary branches/plant, secondary branches/plant, siliquae on main shoot, LAI, CGR and biological yield/plant. Seed yield/plant had negative genotypic correlations of moderate strength with transpiration quotient at 35 and 75 DAS indicating its positive relationship with water use efficiency. TheRGRduring 35-75 DAS followed byRGRbetween 75 and 95 DAS exerted the highest direct positive effects on seed yield. Biological yield/plant, SLW at 75 DAS, TDM at 75 and 95 DAS, SCMR at 35 DAS, siliquae on main shoot, days to maturity and siliqua length also had substantial positive direct effects. The characters under study explained about 96.5% and 100% variability in the seed yield at phenotypic and genotypic level, respectively. Dry matter production, early growth and development of the crop are important under drought due to continuous decline in available soil moisture. Since LAI, LGR, CGR, RGR and NAR are the functions of dry matter production and/or leaf area, therefore, selection on the basis of high biological yield and large LAI at 50% flowering should be quite effective in improving seed yield under drought. An increase in LAI might increase radiation load resulting in to high transpiration. Therefore, genotypes having high LAI with erect leaves and low TQ should be accorded priority in the selection programme.

Studies on heterosis, correlation and genetic advance parameters for seed yield and its related traits in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.

Twenty eight genotypes (21 F1 + 7 parents) of Indian mustard were evaluated for 10 traits viz., days to 50%flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), length of main raceme (cm), number of siliquae/plant, number ofprimary branches/plant, number of secondary branches/plant, oil content (%), 1000-seed weight (g) and seed yield/plant (g). Analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes differed genetically for all the characters and thushas helped in selection of parents for the breeding programmes.

Genetic analysis for seed yield and its contributing traits in Indian mustard [(Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss)

Highly significant differences were recorded, majority of the characters except number of primary branches/plant, among the 28 genotypes of Indian mustard tested. Parent’s vs F1’s for all the characters revealed significant differences. The estimates of all genetic components were found highly significant for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, main raceme length, number of siliquae/plant, number of primary branches/plant, number of secondary branches/plant, oil content, 1000-seed weight and seed yield/plant. The estimates of mean degree of dominance were more than unity for number of secondary branches/plant, 1000-seed weight, oil content and seed yield/plant. The proportion of genes with positive and negative effects was near or equal to theoretical value for all characters except seed yield/plant.