Heterosis and combining ability for yield and its component traits in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.)]

Abstract

Six parents viz. BPR 380-1, RSK 28, RH (OE) 0103, SKM 532, GM 3 and GM 1 were crossed in diallel
fashion (excluding reciprocals) in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss). The resultant
fifteen hybrids along with six parents were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications
during Rabi 2009. The analysis of variance for experimental design revealed that high significant differences
existed among genotypes for all the characters. This indicated that considerable amount of genetic variation
among parents and hybrids for all the traits. Most heterotic hybrids for seed yield per plant were RSK 28 x
RH (OE) 0103 and GM 3 x GM 1. Analysis of variance for combining ability showed the significance of gca
and sca variances for all the characters except oleic acid. The ratio of variance due to gca and sca was
below unity for all the characters under study. The results of specific combining ability effects revealed that,
the crosses, SKM 532 x GM 3, RSK 28 x RH(OE)0103 and BPR 380-1 x RSK 28 were three best cross
combinations for seed yield, these crosses also showed moderate standard heterosis.