Study on correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and some quality traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out at Oilseed Research Farm, Kanpur during Rabi 2020-22 with 28 treatments [7 parents (PR-20, PR-21, Azad Mahak, KMR17-5, KMR17-4, NDR-8501 and KMR(L)17-6] and their possible combination excluding reciprocals)] following diallel cross analysis excluding reciprocals in 3 replications laid out in randomized block design. Genotypic correlation coefficient was higher in magnitude than their corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficient for all the characters. Significant positive correlations were found in seed yield per plant with number siliquae per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of primary branches per plant and main raceme length (cm),1000 seed weight (g), oil content (%), protein content (%), methionine content (%) and tryptophan content (%). Phenotypic path analysis values revealed that positive and direct effect on seed yield per plant was exerted by number of siliquae per plant followed by number of secondary branches per plant, protein content, number of primary branches, 1000 seed weight days to maturity and methionine content. Whereas, tryptophan content, days to 50% flowering, main raceme length, plant height and oil content showed negative direct effects. Thus, in this experimental material, these traits are recognized as the effective and probable choices for indirect selection towards increasing productivity. The challenge of the study is to find out the character associations to the yield and to estimate the direct and indirect effects of each character on yield. Ultimate aim is to enhance the yield and also enhance the quality of grain.