Studies on wild crucifers and their cross compatability with Oleiferous crop brassicas

The present investigation was undertaken with the objective to evaluate wild crucifers for various morpho-physiological traits under the sub-tropical conditions of Jammu and Kashmir and transfer their desirable characters into crop Brassicas through intergeneric hybridization. Six wild crucifers viz., Diplotaxis muralis, D. cretacea, D. tenuifolia, Brassica fruticulosa, Erucastrum gallicum and Crambe abyssinica were crossed with seven genotypes of B. juncea, B. napus and B. campestris, aided by post-fertilization in vivo treatment with 0.01 per cent GA. Out of 22 cross combinations attempted, twelve recorded success with respect to siliqua formation, out of which hybrid seeds were recovered in only ten crosses. The per cent siliqua formation in various crosses ranged between 0 and 16.67 per cent. Maximum success was obtained in the cross C. abyssinica x RSPN 25, followed by B. fruticulosa x Y 3000 (10.34%) and D. tenuifolia x RSPT 5 (8.26%). However, the maximum number of seeds were obtained in the cross E. gallicum x RSPT 4 (25), followed by D. cretacea x Y 3000 (11) and D. muralis x RSPT 5 (09). Use of in vitro culture techniques and plant growth regulators is advocated for increased success in recovery of intergeneric hybrids using the above wild crucifers.