Effective selection criteria to determine moisture stress tolerance in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

Abstract

Most agronomic traits are highly influenced by environmental conditions, and genetic gains from such traits
are primarily conditioned by effective selection methodology. Present investigation, was aimed to find an
effective selection criteria for seed yield of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss], and
relationship of selection parameters was also investigated. Moisture stress tolerance index (MSTI) was
found effective selection criteria for assessing genotypes for their higher moisture stress tolerance along with
higher yield potential. Genotypes PBR-375, RRN702, RH-0735, RH-0555-B, NDRS-2017-1, RGN-282,
SKM-815, and Divya 44 showed uniform superiority under both irrigated and moisture stress
environments. Contrarily, genotypes PR-2008-13, RGN-281, PR-2007-1, KM-9201, and DRMR-IJ-31
performed better only under irrigated conditions whereas, genotypes HUJM-07-06, SKM B 817, RH-658,
DRMR-2010-4, DRMR-868-3, Parasmani-33, KMR-10-1, NPJ-146, RL-2010, RH-0830, RB-650, and RMM
09-3 performed well under rainfed conditions. It is advocated that the genotypes identified in the present
study should be further tested at multi-locations, and those found suitable can be used in improvement of
breeding programmes for the development of superior genotypes/hybrids in Indian mustard.