Title: Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.]
Abstract: An experiment was made to assess extant of genetic variability among fifty germplasm accessions of Indian mustard with three check varieties for various quantitative characters, heritability and genetic advance also estimated for such characters. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences for all the characters. The genotypes showed moderate to high level of genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV). In general phenotypic coefficient of variance was found to be higher than their genotypic coefficient of variance but the extent was quite small, indicating very less environmental influence on the expression of the characters. Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was found to be higher for 1000-seed weight (24.33), biological yield per plant (22.47), secondary branches plant (22.41), seed yield per plant (19.75). Heritability and genetic advance are important selection parameters. High heritability estimates were observed for biological yield, plant height, oil content, main raceme length, 1000-seed weight, siliqua on main raceme, secondary branches per plant, seed yield per plant and days to maturity. The expected genetic advance as percent of mean was high for 1000-seed weight, biological yield, secondary branches plant, seed yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance in per cent of mean as well as high GCV observed for yield components such as 1000-seed weight, biological yield per plant, secondary branches per plant, seed yield per plant, harvest index and siliqua on main raceme, indicates that most likely the heritability is due to additive gene effects so selection may be effective and it would be helpful in predicting the gain under selection.