STUDIES ON GENETIC DIVERSITY, HETEROSIS AND COMBINING ABILITY IN INDIAN MUSTARD [BRASSICA /UNCEA L. (CZERN and COSS)]

Abstract

Genetic diversity, heterosis and combining ability studies were conducted in Indian mustard. A set of 48 apparen tly diverse lines was picked up from a germplasm of 118 lines on the basis of multiple regression analysis for seed yield. These 48 lines could be divided into five distinct groups on the basis of D2 analysis for seed yield and component traits. The clustering pattern suggested that geographical diversity was not necessarily an index of genetic diversity. The study pointed out that relation existed between genetic diversity of parents and specific combining ability effects as well as heterosis exhibited by the crosses. Selection of parents based on diversity estimates, coupled with combining ability analysis, may be useful in the selection of suitable parents for a breeding programme.