Experiments in hybrid seed production in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)
1995
Banga, S.S. | Sandha, G.S. | Gupta, M. | Sohu, R.S. (Punjab Agricultural Univ., Ludhiana (India). Department of Plant Breeding)
Extensive efforts are under way to develop F1 hybrids of Indian mustard for commercial exploitation of heterosis as high as 100 % in seed yield. The production of hybrid seed by cross pollination on male sterile lines is an important factor which will influence the economics of seed production and hence the success of the venture. Four male sterile lines based on Brassica carinata, Brassica tournefortii, Diplotaxis siifolia, and Raphanus sativus (ogura) cytoplasm sources were utilised to determine the optimum male (M):female (F) planting ratio for maximising seed set on mustard male sterile lines. Higher seed set was recorded when CMS lines were sown in greater frequency. Gross hybrid seed yields were higher in the seed production plots having a 1M:3F sowing design. Compared with many other crops, mustard has the benefit of requiring a low seed rate (3.75 kg/ha) and a very high multiplication rate. At the prevailing prices for mustard produce and an assumed yield level of 3.0-3.5 tons/ha, commercial heterosis of less than 5 % will be enough to cover the extra seed cost up to Rs 1200/ha (37.5 US dollar). In areas with lower mustard yields, especially under rainfed conditions, a higher level of commercial heterosis will be needed to cover the extra seed cost
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