Assessment of genetic parameters and character association under different environments for yield and its traits in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss]

The experiment was conducted to estimate the genetic variability, inter-relationships and path coefficient analysis among seed yield and its component traits in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss]. Forty genotypes of Indian mustard were assessed inrandomized block design with three replications for thirteen quantitative characters. The statistical analysis showed significant level of genetic variation across all genotypes in all environments as well as in pooled data for all the characters. High heritability inconjugation with high genetic advance were observed for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, biological yield, number of siliqua/ plant and seed yield in most of the environments suggesting predominant role of additive gene action for expression of these traits. The genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability and genetic advance were found higher for days to 50% flowering, biological yield and number of siliqua per plant in most of the environments and pooled data. Seed yield per plant was found to be positively and significantly correlated with biological yield, number of siliqua per plant, harvest index, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant and siliqua length almost in all the environments as well as in pooled data. Path coefficient at phenotypic level further revealed the biological yield/ plant and harvest index exerted the major and positive direct effect on seed yield/ plant. The results of present study indicates that number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, biological yield, seeds per siliqua and length of siliqua trait found in these gene pool can be used to develop the high yielding varieties in future hybridization program.