Genetic variability and path coefficient analysis for seed yield and its related attributes in indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. czern and coss.) under late sown condition

Twenty five genotype of Indian mustard were undertaken to determine relationship among yield and its components using direct selection parameters like variability, heritability and genetic advance for 13 yield and its contributing characters. Analysis of variance for the design of the experiment indicated highly significant differences for all the characters. Higher phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was recorded for number of secondary branches per plant followed by seed yield per plant, 1000-seed weight, length of main raceme, number of primary branches per plant, number of seeds per siliqua. High Heritability estimates were observed for days to 50% flowering (77.59%), length of main raceme (77.39%), 1000-seed weight (76.44%), plant height (75.67%), days to maturity (75.23%), number of secondary branches per plant (73.63%), number of siliquae per plant (71.64%), harvest index (70.63%), oil content (70.02%), biological yield per plant (69.09%), seed yield per plant (69.01%), number of primary branches per plant (68.98%), number of seeds per siliqua (67.60%). The expected genetic advance as percent of mean was high for seed yield plant per plant, 1000-seed weight, number of siliquae per plant, number of secondary branches plant, plant height. The high heritability coupled with high genetic advance for seed yield plant per plant, 1000-seed weight, number of siliquae per plant, number of secondary branches plant, plant height would be helpful for indirect selection in improvement of seed yield. At phenotypic level seed yield per plant showed highly significant and positive association with harvest index, biological yield per plant, number of seeds per siliquea, number of primary branches per plant. The maximum coefficient of phenotypic variation was observed for number of secondary branches per plant.