Genetic analysis of agronomic traits in Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus L) breeding lines

Abstract

Understanding the knowledge of gene action and the nature of genes/ traits is important for an effective breeding program. The objective of this study was to determine the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), variances and their effects on seed yield and components of Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus L.) breeding materials. Five diverse B. napus genotypes selected for their seed yield were crossed using a half-dialle mating design. The analysis of the variance of parents and their cross effects was significant for all parameters measured. Among five parents, two parents namely EC-338978 and RBSbold showed positive GCAeffect may be considered as good general combiners for seed yield and components. The best four selected crosses with significant SCAeffects for seed yield were EC 338978 × RBS Bold, EC 338978 × HMS4, EC 338978 × BMS4 and RBS Bold × BMS4, respectively. The selected crosses are valuable genetic resources for B. napus breeding for seed yield and yield components in the Punjab region or similar environments.