Studies on genetic variability for morpho-phenological traits in diversity fixed foundation set of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L

Abstract

 Indian mustard diversity fixed foundation set of 280 genotypes was undertaken to study the genetic variability, 
heritability and genetic advance for seed yield and its component traits during 2020-21. The genotypes were evaluated 
for nine characters to study the extent of genetic variability. Analysis of variance revealed signicant genotypic 
differences for all the nine characters under study which indicate wide range of variation was apparent for all the 
characters. The genotypic coefcient of variation (GCV) was observed moderate to high for the characters viz., seed 
yield per plant, 1000-seed weight, main shoot length, number of siliqua on main shoot, primary branches, secondary 
branches and siliqua length. Number of seeds per siliqua and plant height had lower values of GCV. Low heritability with 
low genetic advance was noted for number of seeds per siliqua which may be due to low value of estimated phenotypic 
variance for these traits. Plant height, main shoot length, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, 
number of siliquae on main shoot, siliqua length, 1000-seed weight and seed yield per plant possessed substantial to high 
heritability and genetic advance in the genotypes studied. This variability was due to moderate to high differences in the 
genetic makeup of genotypes and controlled by additive gene action which revealed that direct selection would be 
effective for those above mentioned traits. Therefore, due weightage should be given to these characters while selection 
for improving seed yield in Indian mustard.