Genetic variablity, heritability and character association in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.& Coss.)

The estimates of parameters of variability viz.; phenotypic coefficient of variation, genotypic coefficients of variation, heritability in broad sense (h²b), and expected genetic advance expressed as percentage of mean for different traits of mustard were studied. The magnitude of phenotypic coefficients of variability (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficients of variability (GCV). The results revealed that there were statistically positive correlation between seed yield with the harvest index (r=0.884**) with 1000seed weight (r=0.465**), oil content (r=0.280**), with linoleic acid (r=0.216**), lenolenic acid (r=0.318**), and with erucic acid (r= 0.161*). Harvest index (p=1.178**), biological yield (p=0.534**), erucic acid (p=0.208**), linoleic acid (p=0.147**), oleic acid (p=0.096**), palmitic acid (p=0.077**), stearic acid (p=0.068**), Number of seeds per siliqua (p=0.033**), plant height (p=0.020**) and number of secondary branches (p=0.012**) have shown a considerable direct positive effect on seed yield. Positive direct effect of harvest index, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity was associated with significant and positive correlation with seed yield. These yield components suggested good selection criteria to improve seed yield of Indian mustard breeding.