Genetic analysis in F2, F3 and biparent crosses for various genetic parameters in mustard

The experiment comprising of F2, F3 and BIP generations in three crosses (ACN-9 X PC-6, Kranti X PC-6, TAM-108 X PC-6) of mustard was conducted with the objectives to ascertain the type and extent of genetic variation for seed yield during rabi 2023-2024 with randomized block design with two replications. The mean value of BIP was larger than the corresponding mean value in F3 and F2 for all characters except days to maturity and days to first flower. According to the comparison of the mean and range for various characters between BIP, F2 and F3. Indicating segregants with higher values were available in BIP. Three generations were evaluated to assess key genetic parameters, including genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability (in the broad sense), and expected genetic advance as a percentage of the mean for seven agronomic traits. The number of branches plant-1, number of siliquae plant-1, siliquae density plant-1 and seed output plant-1 all showed great genetic advance, high heritability and high GCV. The high estimates for these parameters suggest the predominance of additive gene action and indicate that these traits are governed by heritable genetic factors. Consequently, these traits are considered highly amenable to selection and can be effectively utilized for the identification of superior segregants with enhanced performance in terms of branching, siliquae production, siliquae density and seed yield.