Genetic variability and character association in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L) Czerns & Coss]

Genetic variability, interrelationship and genetic divergence in thirty indigenous collections of Indian mustard was studied in order to identify desirable genotypes on per seperformance and to select promising donors to be used in breeding programme during rabi 2005–2006. Data were recorded on fourteen different quantitative characters. Significant differences were observed for all the traits among the genotypes. Genetic variability was found maximum for biological yield per plant and minimum for days to maturity as reflected by genotypic coefficient of variation. Heritability estimate in broad sense were high for 1000 seed weight, day to maturity, day to flowering, plant height and main shoot length. Genetic advance as percent over mean was high for biological yield per plant, 1000 seed weight, yield per plant, umber. Of secondary branches and main shoot length. All the characters showed positive correlation with seed yield per plant both at phenotypic and genotypic levels except days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. The path coefficient analysis at genotypic level revealed that biological yield per plant had the highest direct positive effect on seed yield per plant followed by harvest index, 1000seed weight, no of seeds per siliqua and no. of primary branches. Highest negative direct effect on seed yield per plant was observed for plant height at phenotypic level.