Manifestation of Heterosis in Indian Mustard: Through Physiological characters for Seed Yield

Half diallel F1 crosses and parents of Indian mustard [B. juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] genotypes were evaluated for canopy temp. (0C) at 40 DAS, 50 DAS, 60 DAS, 70 DAS and chlorophyll fluorescence at 40 DAS, 50 DAS, 60 DAS, 70 DAS, seedling mortality (%) and seed yield per plant (g). Mean squares due to parent v/s crosses were significant for all the traits, except for canopy temperature at 50 DAS, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) at 40 DAS, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) at 50 DAS and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) at 60 DAS in timely sown condition and canopy temperature at 50 DAS and canopy temperature at 70 DAS in late sown condition. For seed yield and physiological traits, crosses RH8814 × RH0555A, RH0644 × BPR543-3 and BPR349-9 × RH0644 in timely sown condition and crosses RH0555A × RH0644, RH0735 × RH0116 and BPR349-9 × RH0644 in late sown were identified as promising on the basis of their high per se performance with positive and negative heterotic effects. From the component character analysis, it was concluded that characters canopy temperature, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and seedling mortality contributed significantly towards heterosis in seed yield. These crosses could be further used to select superior segregants.