Character association and path analysis in mustard

Genetic variability, character association and path coefficient analysis was conducted using 15 lines and 4 testers and their 60 F1 made with the parents of Brassica juncea genotype of diverse origin. The phenotypic coefficient of variation which measures the total variation was found to be greater than the genotypic coefficient of variation in majority of characters in the present study. The closer magnitude of GCV and PCV indicated that genotype has played greater role rather than environment. Analysis of variance revealed considerable differences among the genotypes for all the traits which indicate that sufficient scope for bringing genetic improvement in all the attributes. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were high (more than 25%) exhibited for days to maturity, number of siliqua per plant, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant indicated that the existence of wide spectrum of variability for these traits and greater opportunities for desired gain through phenotypic selection. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance expressed as per cent of mean were observed for days to maturity, number of siliqua per plant, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant indicated additive gene action and selection may be effective for these characters. Seed yield per plant showed positive and significant stable correlation with number of seeds per siliqua, biological yield per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, 1000 seed weight and number of primary branches per plant at genotypic and phenotypic level indicated that by improving these traits the yield can be improved in mustard. Biological yield per plant displayed high order of direct effect on seed yield per plant followed by harvest index, 100 seed weight and plant height at both phenotypic and genotypic levels suggested that these characters may play an important role in improvement of seed yield in mustard. It was concluded that these characters could be considered as significant selection criteria for yield improvement in mustard.