Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L)

Abstract

Genetic variation and correlation analyses for plant height, length of main branch, number of branches per plant, number of siliquae on main branch, number of seeds per siliqua, yield per plant, test weight, oil content, number of days to flowering and number of days to maturity were conducted using 55 Indian mustard genotypes grown in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. The variation among the genotypes was significant for all the traits except number of seeds per pod. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was slightly higher than the genetic coefficient of variation. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for yield per plant, test weight, number of siliquae on main branch and number of branches per plant, indicating that the heritability of these traits is attributed to additive gene effects. High heritability along with medium to low genetic advance was recorded for plant height, length of main branch and number of days to flowering, indicating the presence of non-additive gene actions. The genotypic correlation was greater than the phenotypic correlation. Yield per plant was positively associated with number of branches per plant, number of siliquae on main branch, plant height, number of seeds per siliqua and length of main branch. Oil content was negatively correlated with test weight. A positive association among plant height, length of main branch, number of branches per plant, number of siliquae on main branch, number of seeds per siliqua and yield per plant was observed. Path analysis revealed that the number of branches per plant had the greatest direct and indirect effects on grain yield.