Combining ability and heterobeltiosis for yield and yield-contributing traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

Line x tester analysis involving 14 lines and five testers revealed that both additive and non-additive gene actions were important in controlling yield-contributing traits. Variety Pusa Mustard 25 was identified as best general combiner among the parents. Significant and positive sca effects were observed for seed yield in 17 hybrids, 1000-seed weight in nine hybrids, number of siliquae on main shoot in nine hybrids, number of primary branches in six hybrids, point to first siliqua in six hybrids, main shoot length in five hybrids and number of secondary branches in four hybrids; and significant negative sca effects for point to first branch in four crosses and plant height in two crosses. Ten hybrids exhibited >15% heterobeltiosis, highly significant sca effects and higher per se performance. Parents used in generating these hybrids are suitable candidates for their conversion to cytoplasmic male sterile and/or restorer lines for the commercial exploitation of heterosis.