Morpho-physiological determinants of oil yield in Brassica juncea under dryland conditions

Selection criteria specific for oil improvement in Brassica juncea under dryland conditions are defined using data on six main and nine subcomponent characters recorded on 25 genotypes. Phenotypic correlation coefficients of oil yield with siliquae/plant, seed yield and turgor potential were positive and significant. Path coefficient analysis extended to determine effects of main and subcomponents via main components revealed that direct effects of most of the main components towards oil yield were low, except seed yield. Siliquae per plant, seed weight and turgor potential had high indirect effects via seed yield. Subcomponents shoot length, seeds per siliqua, secondary branches, siliqua length, relative water content and osmotic potential contributed to oil yield via one or more main component 3. Selection based on these main and subcomponents would facilitate integration of improved oil yield and homeostatic effects.