Genetic Analysis of Combining Ability for Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Yellow Mustard (Brassica rapa L.)
Dushyant Singh *
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Tilak Dhari Post Graduate College, Jaunpur- 222002, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Manoj Kumar Singh
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Tilak Dhari Post Graduate College, Jaunpur- 222002, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Yellow mustard (Brassica rapa L.) improvement requires identification of parents and cross combinations with favourable combining ability for yield and related traits. The present investigation was conducted to assess genetic variability, combining ability, and gene action for yield and yield-contributing traits in yellow sarson (Brassica rapa L.). The experimental material comprised 84 genotypes, including 20 lines, 3 testers, 60 F₁ hybrids developed through a line × tester mating design, and one check variety, Pitambari. The genotypes were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications during the rabi seasons of 2023–24, 2024–25, and 2025–26 for fourteen agronomic traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant variability among genotypes for most traits, indicating adequate scope for selection and hybrid breeding. The significance of line × tester interactions for most characters suggested the predominance of non-additive gene action. General combining ability analysis identified Benoy, NDYS-4, Pant Girija and NRCYS 05-02 as superior general combiners for seed yield and related traits, whereas YSH 0401, NDYS-4, Benoy and Pant Girija showed favourable effects for seed yield per plant. Specific combining ability analysis revealed promising crosses such as Patan Sarson × PYS 1, NDYS-6 × NRCYS 05-02, NDYS-4 × NRCYS 05-02, Pusa Swarnim × NRCYS 05-02 and Ragini × Anushka for seed yield and associated traits. The proportional contribution of line × tester interaction was highest for most traits, including seed yield per plant, siliquae per plant and seeds per siliqua, confirming the major role of non-additive gene effects. The study suggests that heterosis breeding, along with selection-based improvement using superior general combiners, can be effectively utilised for developing high-yielding, early-maturing and oil-rich yellow sarson genotypes.
Keywords: Yellow sarson, Brassica rapa L., line × tester analysis, combining ability, general combining ability, specific combining ability