Analysis of genetic parameters and correlation for yield and quality traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

A set of 53 Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L) genotypes that include 40 crosses and 13 parents were evaluated for
genetic variability and correlation for yield and quality traits during the Rabi season of 2014-15. The crosses were
developed in line x tester design involving 8 lines and 5 testers (quality trait donors) during Rabi 2013-14.The study was
undertaken to generate genetic information for seed yield per plant (g),1000-seed weight (g), days to maturity, oil content
(%), saturated fatty acid (%), oleic acid (%), linoleic acid (%), linolenic acid (%), erucic acid (%) and glucosinolate
content (μmoles/g of oil-free seed meal). Moreover, magnitude of relationships among these characters was also measured.
Significant differences were observed for all the characters among the genotypes, which revealed the presence of
sufficient variability for the characters. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all the characters was found to
be higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). High PCV for erucic acid, oleic acid and glucosinolate content
showed the significance of additive gene action. High heritability estimates coupled with high genetic advance as per
cent of mean recorded for erucic acid and oleic acid also indicated the significance of additive genes action for the
inheritance of these traits. Among the different characters seed yield per plant recorded lowest heritability estimates and
low genetic advance indicating predominance of non-additive gene effects for this trait. Oleic acid was found negatively
and significantly correlated with erucic acid (-0.893**) and oil content (-0.639**), while it had significant and positive
correlation with linoleic acids (0.837**) and days to maturity (0.622**). Erucic acid was negatively and significantly
correlated with the rest of the fatty acids. It had positive association with oil content (0.600**). Breeding for the
development of lines with high oleic acid should be focused owing to its high extent of variability, heritability, genetic
advance and negative correlation with erucic acid.