Genetic diversity studies in relation to seed yield and its component traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.)

Abstract

A collection of 33 genotypes of [Brassica juncea (L) Czern & Coss.] (12 from Australia, 21 from India)
was grown in randomized block design. Seed yield, 1000 seed weight, number of secondary branches,
number of seed per siliquae, siliqua length, number of primary branches, plant height and number of silique
on main raceme were the maximum contributors for genetic diversity among the genotypes. Cluster I and IX
included maximum six genotypes each and cluster IV was having only one genotype (JM-016). Maximum
divergence was observed between clusters IV and VIII (8.3) followed by cluster IV and VI (7.1), cluster
IV and V (7.1) and cluster V and VIII (6.9). The genotypes JM016, PCR 7 and RH 8812 were observed as
most divergent. The genotypes from cluster V had short stature, earliest in days to 50 per cent flowering and
in maturity and cluster VIII had highest siliqua length, number of seed per siliqua, 1000 seed weight and
seed yield (kg/ha) along with high value of number of primary and secondary branches, main raceme length
and oil content. The cluster V and VIII were among the most divergent clusters having high seed yield
performance along with its contributing traits and high in oil content. The probability of getting better segregants
and promising recombinants is expected to be more, in case the genotypes of these clusters will be used in
the hybridization programme.