Exploring genetic variation and diversity patterns in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L) germplasm for tocopherol content

Abstract

 Tocopherol (vitamin E) is considered an important vitamin carrying antioxidant properties. It plays a vital role in 
maintaining the quality and stability of the oil in Brassica species. Evaluation of genetic diversity and the choice of 
parents is the crucial step to augmenting the desired improvement of crops towards oil stability and quality 
improvement. In the present study, 96 Indian mustard genotypes were studied for genetic diversity employing cluster 
and principal component analysis (PCA) at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2018-19. 
 Mahalanobis D statistics revealed six clusters where cluster II represented highest 23 genotypes, and cluster V with 
lowest 6 genotypes. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters V and VI (403.4) followed by II 
and V (327.7) indicating more diversity between clusters. First two PCs accounted for 99% of total genetic variability 
using PCA. Furthermore, two diverse and complementary parents (Pusa Mahak and CN-101845) were identied that 
possessed complement traits, viz., high GTC and TTC (Pusa Mahak), and high AGR (CN-101845). Therefore, Pusa 
Mahak and CN-101845 genotypes could be considered as donor parents for different traits to increase tocopherol 
content in Indian Mustard.