Heterosis for seed yield and its components in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.)

Abstract

Brassica juncea L. is an important oilseed crop, which occupies premier position in Indian agriculture. Developing high yielding genotypes has been a major breeding objective in Indian mustard. Present study was conducted at Castor-Mustard research station, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during Rabi 2016-17 to determine heterosis of 45 crosses of Indian mustard. Parents and F₁ hybrids were evaluated in RBD with three replications. The heterosis was observed amongst the best crosses identified on the basis of SCA effects. Hybrids RS 1134 ⨯ GM 2, RH 119 ⨯ GM 2,RS 1 ⨯ GM 2, RH 119 ⨯ Urvashi and Urvashi ⨯ GM 2 exhibited highest magnitude of heterosis with higher per se performance for seed yield, respectively. The high yielding crosses may be exploited for developing superior genotypes and the parents involved may be converted to well adapted cytoplasmic male sterile or restorer lines.