Exploring Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Its Component Traits in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. & Coss.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024–25 at the research farm of Ch. Chhotu Ram (PG) College, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, under the aegis of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding (Agricultural Botany). The primary objectives were to quantify genetic variability, estimate heritability and genetic advance, and explore trait interrelationships for yield enhancement in Indian mustard. The analysis of variance demonstrated highly significant genotypic differences across all characters, confirming the presence of considerable genetic diversity within the germplasm. For the majority of traits, phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) estimates marginally exceeded genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), suggesting limited environmental influence on trait expression. Several yield-related attributes exhibited elevated GCV and PCV values, indicating substantial opportunities for selection-mediated genetic improvement. Traits registering high heritability alongside significant genetic advance as a percentage of the mean reflected the predominance of additive genetic effects, thereby supporting the efficacy of phenotypic selection in subsequent generations. Moreover, the pronounced direct contributions of these traits to seed yield underscore their potential as dependable selection indices in mustard breeding initiatives. Collectively, the findings establish the availability of exploitable genetic variability and identify key economically important traits that directly influence yield. Accordingly, prioritising these characteristics in breeding frameworks may accelerate the development of high-yielding, genetically superior mustard cultivars adaptable to diverse agro-climatic conditions.