Trait's association, cause and effect analyses in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss]

In a study carried out with 71 genotypes of Indian mustard under sub-Himalayan condition during rabi 2017–18, it was found that all the genotypes differed significantly for yield and its attributing traits. Both GCV and PCV were found to be higher for height up to first fruiting branch, aphid count and penetration force indicating high variability in the genotypes. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for height up to first fruiting branch, primary branches per plant, secondary branches per plant, siliquae per plant and 1000 seed weight. The trait association study revealed that secondary branches per plant and siliquae per plant had positive significant association with seed yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis indicated that penetration force exhibited the highest direct effect on seed yield. Siliquae per plant and secondary branches per plant exhibited high direct positive effect and positive association with seed yield per plant. On the basis of all the eleven traits taken together, the genotype PRD-2013-9 (rank-1) was the best.