Evaluation of Promising Lines of Lai Patta (Brassica juncea var rugosa L.) Suitable for Cultivation in North Eastern India

The present study was carried out with ten accessions of laipatta (Brassica juncea var rugosa L.) in Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat in order to identify suitable high yielding variety(s) with desirable quality characters. The accessions viz., JorMLG-1, JorMLP-2, MLG-3, MLP-4, MLG-5, MLP-6, ShLG-7, KjLP-8, ChL-9 (Check), and KL-10(Check) were collected from different districts of Assam and North East. They were evaluated consecutively for three years in station trials in the Dept. of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat for plant yield and other quantitative and quality characters. The accessions were tested in Multilocation trials in five research stations. In these trials. among all genotypes JorMLG-1 and JorMLP-2 were found to be the best for plant yield and other component characters. The On Farm trials conducted in 12 farmers’ fields in Jorhat and Kokrajhar districts of the state exhibited average plant yield of 350.1 q/ha in JorMLG-1 and 318.2 q/ha in JorMLP-2 with 34 – 48% yield increase over the best check variety (ChL-9). JorMLG-1was a green leaf variety whereas JorMLP-2 was a greenish purple variety. The edible leaves could be harvested upto 60 days in JorMLG-1 and 55 days in JorMLP-2 after transplanting till the initiation of bolters. However, the best check variety ChL-9 showed bolting at 25 days after transplanting. Estimation of quality characters revealed 147.6 mg ascorbic acid, 186 mg calcium and 11.21 mg iron per 100g in JorMLG-1 whereas 145.2 mg ascorbic acid, 176 mg calcium and 10.61 mg iron per 100g in JorMLP-2. They have been recommended in the Zonal Research Committee Meeting and Annual Technical Committee Meeting held at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2019-20 for release in the state of Assam. In view of yield performance, consumer preference and taste, the varieties are spreading very fast and getting popularity throughout entire NE states. However, more study is required on quality traits, genetic parameters and molecular aspects.