Heterosis and combining ability analysis for seed yield and its attributes in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.]

Combining ability, gene action and heterosis was studied in a set of six parental lines, four tester and their hybrids of Indian mustard following a L x T mating design. The parents PUSA BOLD and BIO-902 exhibited significant and positive GCA effects for seed yield per plant while parental genotype PCR-7 was good general combiner for 1000-seed weight. The ratio of ó²_gca/ó²_gca being less than unity for all yield attributing traits indicated predominance of non-additive gene action for all the traits. The hybrids SKM-9820 X GM-2 and PCR-7 X VARUNA revealed highest SCA effects and Heterosis over batter parent and standard parent. Considering mean performance, heterosis and combining ability effects, the parents GM 2, SKM-9033, PUSA BOLD, SKM-9820 and hybrids SKM9820 x GM 2, PCR-7 x VARUNA and SKM-9033 x VARUNA were found to be promising for exploitation of heterosis and to undertaken crossing program to obtain desirable segregants.