Assessment of genetic variability and selection parameters in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. & Coss.)

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to assess the extent of genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance for yield and related traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.). The experimental material consisted of ten genotypes—Varuna, Rohini, Azad Mahak, NRC-DR-2, Maya, PR-21, KMR(L)17-5, Mathura Rai, Narendra Rai-4, and NDR-8501—evaluated along with their F₁ and F₂ generations derived from a diallel mating design (excluding reciprocals). The experiment, comprising 100 treatments (10 parents, 45 F₁s, and 45 F₂s), was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during the Rabi season of 2024-2025 at C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. Highly significant variability was observed among genotypes for all agronomic and biochemical traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for number of siliquae per plant, biological yield, and seed yield per plant indicated the predominance of additive gene action and the effectiveness of direct selection for these traits. Narrow differences between genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation suggested minimal environmental influence. Conversely, quality traits with lower heritability and genetic advance may require hybridization or recurrent selection.