Response to selection in F2, in the FS generation in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss.]

Abstract

Response of selection in F2 generation for main shoot length, seeds per siliqua, seed mass and seed yield was studied in Fs generation. Observations were recorded on individual plant basis in F2 generation of 3 crosses of Indian mustard (B. juncea L.) for each trait. Five plants with high and five with low values were selected for each trait. On the other hand a bulk was constituted by taking one seed from each plant in each cross. These selected plants as well as the constructed bulks were raised to advance from F3 to F4 generation. In Fs generation, comparisons were made between high and low selections for each trait as well as between high selection and bulk. It was observed that differences between high and low selection were non-significant for all traits except seed mass. On the other hand mean values under bulk were comparable to that of high selection group for each trait. Bulk was advised to be followed in early generation. Transgressive segregants were more frequent for main shoot length; seeds per siliqua and seed yield than for seed mass. The change in relationship between seed mass and seeds per siliqua from F2 to Fs turned to be negative.