Univariate and Multivariate Statistical Assessment of Mutagenic Effects in Two Canola (Brassica napus L.) Cultivars

Expanding the genetic base of canola oil is crucial for sustainably improving yields under climate change pressures. This study evaluated the mutagenic effects of Sodium Azide (SA; 2000, 4000, 6000 ppm) and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO; 1000, 2000, 3000 ppm) on Brassica napus L. during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 growing seasons at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Egypt. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used, and genetic parameters, including heritability (h²), genomic variance (GCV), phenotypic variance (PCV), and genetic progression as a percentage of the mean (GAM), were estimated to assess the potential for trait improvement. This study demonstrated that mutagenesis using Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) and Sodium Azide (SA) effectively induced novel variation in key agricultural traits of canola. The application of different DMSO and SA treatments resulted in the development of diverse mutants exhibiting modified and agriculturally valuable characteristics. These traits were consistently observed in both the M₁ and M₂ generations, indicating the stability of the induced mutants. These stable mutants represent promising genetic resources that can be efficiently utilized in canola breeding programs. Combining the results of statistical and multivariate methods, it was found that among the treatments, the highest concentration (SA3, (DMSO1, (DMSO2) was the most effective in increasing seed and oil yield in the serw 6 cultivar, a crucial factor in determining seed productivity.