Correlation and path coefficient analysis for seed yield, its component and oil content in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss.) under normal and saline/alkaline condition

Abstract

The nature of association for different characters among 20 genotypes along with four checks in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.) under normal condition (NS) and saline/alkaline condition (SS) was studied by using genotypic and phenotypic correlations (Aljibouri et al. 1958) and Path-coefficient analysis (Dewey and Lu, 1959). The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among treatments for all the characters under NS (normal condition) and SS (saline/alkaline condition). The genotypic correlation coefficients between most of the characters were higher in magnitude than phenotypic correlation coefficients in both the conditions indicating strong association between various characters studied and that the genotypic expression of the association was comparatively less influenced by the environmental deviation. The economic trait i.e. seed yield per plant showed strong positive and significant association with biological yield per plant at genotypic and phenotypic levels in both the conditions. Hence, by exercising selection for this character, it may be possible to isolate superior, higher yielding genotypes. Path coefficient analysis revealed that biological yield per plant and harvest index directly influenced seed yield in NS and SS at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Hence, selection based on biological yield per plant and harvest index would be more effective to meet higher seed yield. The residual effect under path analysis was very low and negligible.