New Sources of Variability for Restructuring Brassica rapa

Abstract

Northern India, especially Himalayan tract presents rich diversity of Brassica rapa ecotypes (toria, yellow
sarson and brown sarson) as well as leafy and condiment types of B. juncea. In this paper some features of
unique germplasm lines collected/developed and their possible implications in restructuring of improved types
as future varieties are presented. Development of two extra early maturing (<60 days) toria populations
(PT-141, PT-145) out of local collections from Tehri district of Uttarakhand, and development of PYS
2008-5 with fully fertile sinks through inter-varietal crosses offers unique opportunities for genetic
improvement of toria and yellow sarson, respectively.