Genetic variability and selection potential in F₃, F₄ and BIP F₂ populations of Kranti × PC-6 in mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Introduction

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is an important oilseed crop cultivated widely in India and contributes substantially to the country's edible oil production. Improvement in productivity and adaptation of mustard depends largely on the identification and utilization of desirable genetic variability for yield and its associated traits. Since seed yield is a complex quantitative trait influenced by several component characters and environmental factors, effective selection requires an understanding of the extent and nature of genetic variability present in segregating populations. Segregating generations derived from biparental crosses provide an opportunity to generate and exploit genetic variation for economically important traits. Evaluation of successive generations such as F₃ and F₄ facilitates the identification of superior segregants, while biparental mating can further broaden variability through recombination. Estimation of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability and genetic advance provides useful information regarding the relative contribution of genetic variation and the expected response to selection. The cross Kranti × PC-6 represents a useful genetic combination for evaluating variability in mustard. However, information on the magnitude of variability and the selection potential of its F₃, F₄ and biparental F₂ populations is essential for determining the effectiveness of selection for yield and associated traits. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to assess the analysis of variance, mean performance, range and genetic variability parameters in F₃, F₄ and BIP F₂ populations of Kranti × PC-6 for yield and related traits under Nagpur conditions.

Materials and Methods

The experiment was conducted during Rabi 2025-26 at the Research Field of AICRP (Linseed and Mustard), College of Agriculture, Nagpur. F₃, F₄ and BIP F₂ populations derived from the cross Kranti × PC-6 were evaluated in a randomized block design with two replications. Observations were recorded on days to first flower (DFF), days to maturity (DM), plant height (PH), number of branches plant⁻¹ (NBP), number of siliquae plant⁻¹ (NSP), siliqua density (SDP), powdery mildew incidence (PMI) and seed yield plant⁻¹ (SYP). Analysis of variance was performed following Punse and Sukhatme (1961) [1] . GCV and PCV were estimated following Burton and Devane (1953), broad-sense heritability according to Hanson et al. (1956) [2] ,

and genetic advance according to Robinson et al. (1949) [3] . GCV and PCV values below 10%, 10-20% and above 20% were considered low, moderate and high, respectively.

Results and Discussion

Significant variation among plants was observed for most of the characters in the three generations of Kranti × PC-6. The genotype mean squares for days for first flower were 26.79, 20.08 and 24.11 in F₃, F₄ and BIP F₂, respectively, while those for days to maturity were 57.33, 21.89 and 20.65. Plant height also showed highly significant variation, with genotype mean squares of 726.20, 704.23 and 881.62, respectively. Similar significant variation was observed for number of branches plant -1 , number of siliquae plant -1 and siliquae density plant -1 . For powdery mildew incidence, genotypic differences were significant in F₃ and BIP F₂ but non-significant in F₄. Seed yield showed highly significant genotypic variation in all three generations, with genotype mean squares of 95. 12, 121.36 ; NSP=Number of siliquae plant -1 ; SDP=Siliquae density plant -1 ; PMI=powdery mildew incidence; SYP=Seed yield plant -1 . DF=degree of freedom; MSS= mean sum of squares Powdery mildew incidence showed considerable variation, ranging from 16-85% in F₃, 28-75% in F₄ and 5-66% in BIP F₂. The mean incidence decreased from 40.10% in F₃ and 51.12% in F₄ to 31.62% in BIP F₂. Thus, the BIP F₂ population contained individuals with rela-tively lower disease incidence, providing useful material for selection for reduced powdery mildew susceptibility. The frequency distribution also showed individuals occurring in the lower disease-incidence classes in BIP F₂.

Table 2. Mean and range for different characters in F 3 , F 4 and BIP F 2 populations of Kranti x PC-6 cross of mustard

Characters

Conclusion

The F₃, F₄ and BIP F₂ populations of Kranti × PC-6 exhibited considerable genetic variability for yield and associated traits. Significant genotypic differences were observed for most characters, while substantial phenotypic ranges indicated the presence of diverse segregants. Low variability was observed for flowering and maturity, whereas number of branches plant-1, number of siliquae plant-1, sili quae density plant-1 and particularly seed yield plant-1 showed greater variability. High heritability coupled with appreciable genetic advance for these traits indicated good prospects for selection. The presence of lower powdery mildew incidence classes in BIP F₂ also provides useful material for further selection. Overall, the Kranti × PC-6 segregating populations offer useful genetic material for selection and advancement of superior mustard genotypes.

References

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