To determine the combining ability effects of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) genotypes for morphological and physiological characters in water deficit condition

The water deficit is an important constraint for agricultural crops.The aim of the study is to elaborate highly genetically potential seeds and oil yield genotypes for water scarcity tolerance to enhance food security and sustainability in limited water resources.In this context, the six highly water stress tolerant mustard genotypes (AARI-Canola, Khanpur Raya, Dhoom-1, Super Raya, Galaxy and Coral-432) and their fifteen F1 combinations were carried out for genetic analysis in randomized complete block design having three replications and two treatments at Sindh Agriculture University, Tando jam, Pakistan.The T1 Control: (watered at stem growth, flowering, silique and maturity stages) and T2 water stress at silique stage: (watered at stem growth and flowering stages) were set to evaluate the genetic traits as (plant height, branches plant -1 , silique plant -1 , seeds silique -1 , seed yield plant -1 , seed index, relative water content, chlorophyll, oil content and protein content)for water stress tolerant.The significant variances found are due to General Combining Ability and Specific Combining Ability effects between parents and hybrids.Two parents and five hybrids reported positive and maximum desirable General and specific combining effects for most of the studied characteristics under both conditions.These findings will contribute to the development of more resilient agricultural practices, ensuring that farmers, society and scientific communities can maintain productivity even in challenging environmental conditions by utilizing these parents and crosses in respect to water stress.