Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in germpiasm of Indian-mustard (Brassica juncea (L) Czern & Coss.)

Variability, correlation and path analyses were carried out for eleven agro-morphologica1 characters of Indian-mustard [Brassica juncea (L) Czern & Coss]. The highest coefficient of variation (CY) was found for secondary branches/plant (67.0%) and seed yield/plant (47.0%) while, the least for days to maturity (2.0%). Rest of the characters had moderate variation (CV ranged from 6.6 to 19.3%). Seed yield had significant and positive correlation with all the characters except for days to maturity. Hioghest correlation was recorded with siliquae on main shoot (0.5) and secondary branches (0.5). Days to maturity had negative but non-significant correlation with all characters except plant height and seed yield. Siliquae on main shoot had the highest direct effect (0.344) on seed yield, followed by primary branches/plant (0.223), secondary branches/plant (0.189), 1000-seed weight (0.159) and siliqua length (0.147). Therefore, these characters are the main yield components and greater emphasis must be laid on them while, selecting plants in segregating generation.