Assessment of genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and selection indices for yield contributing traits in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea]

Abstract

Nineteen genotypes of Indian mustard were evaluated at agricultural research farm Nidharia of S.M.M. Town Post Graduate College, Ballia during Rabi 2017-2018 in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replication to study of genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and selection indices. The data was recorded on five randomly selected plants for 12 characters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) express significant for all characters except siliqua length and volumetric seed weight. The highest mean was observed for number of siliqua per plant followed by plant height and days to maturity. Highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for number of secondary branches, number of siliqua per plant and seed yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for number of secondary branches, number of siliquae per plant, seed yield per plant and biological yield. Sixty-three selection indices involving seed yield and five yield components viz; days to 50%flowering, plant height, number of siliquae per plant, biological yield per plant and harvest index were constructed using the discriminant function technique. The single character without any combination had highest genetic advance as well as relative efficiency for number of siliquae per plant. The index based on five characters viz; seed yield per plant, plant height, number of siliquae per plant, biological yield per plant and harvest index revealed the highest genetic advance as well as a relative efficiency.