Genetic Variability among Brown Sarson (Brassica rapa L.) Genotypes for Yield-Related Trait-Oil Content

Background and Objective: Brown sarson is gaining wide acceptance because of its adaptability for both rainfed as well as irrigated areas and suitability for sole as well as mixed cropping. Being a major rabi (winter season) oilseed crop, it has greater potential to increase the availability of edible oil from domestic production. In this background, the present investigation was carried out to generate information on the adaptive potential and stability parameters of ten diverse genotypes of brown sarson for varietal selection and stability in their performance to characterize the nature of genotype’ environment for various yield and yield-related traits at various locations. Materials and Methods: The basic material for the study comprised 10 genotypes of brown sarson (Brassica rapa L.) grown in a 3-row experimental plot of 3 m length with inter and intra row spacing of 30 and 10 cm, respectively. The qualitative data generated through participatory rural appraisal (PRA) was analyzed by using a χ²-test. The data generated from replicated grandmother trials were analyzed through ANOVA. Results: Analysis revealed that all genotypes possessed significant differences in oil content. Mean squares due to GXE interaction were significant for the trait. The component analysis of the environment (GXE) revealed significant mean squares for the trait. Mean squares of linear and non-linear components revealed that environments (linear) were significant for oil content and the significant mean squares for E+(GXE) for the trait arose due to environments (linear) and linear response of the regression of the cultivars to the environment. Conclusion: Genotypes possessed significant variability for oil quality and oil content and could be used as parental stocks for crop improvement programmes.