GENETIC VARIABILITY, CHARACTERS ASSOCIATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS IN GREEN MUSTARD (Brassica juncea L.) GENOTYPES

Seven genotypes of green mustard (Brassca juncea) have been evaluated to determine the genetic variability, degree and direction of association between yield and its components characters. The direct and indirect effects on leaf yield have also been studied. High heritability with high genetic advance as percent of mean was registered for plant height, vitamin C content and yield per plant (g) which in fact demonstrated the presence of additive gene effects. The correlation studies revealed strong positive association of yield with Leaf area index (LAI), dry matter yield, number of leaves per plant at genotypic level, whereas at phenotypic level only dry matter yield showed a significant positive correlation. The result of path analysis indicated that dry matter yield had maximum direct effect on yield per plant followed by vitamin C content, total chlorophyll content and leaf length. The present study suggested that while selection, emphasis should be given on these characters in selection programme for increasing the yield of green mustard genotypes.