Combining Ability Studies Based on Mori CMS System in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.]

An experiment for Line x tester analysis was carried out to estimate combining ability effects of 50 hybrids developed by crossing of 10 Mori CMS lines with five restorers in Indian mustard. The F1 hybrids along with parental genotypes planted at Oilseeds Research Area, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar India during 2018-19. Data recorded for 12 characters viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, main shoot length (cm), numbers of siliquae on main shoot, siliquae length (cm), number of seeds per siliquae, 1000-seed weight (g), oil content (%) and seed yield per plant (g). Analysis of variance revealed sufficient genetic variability present among lines, testers and crosses for most of the traits. There was presence of both additive and non-additive gene actions with preponderance of non-additive gene action in controlling yield and component traits. On the basis of overall performance of parents, line MA-023 and tester MR-38 were found the best general combiners for majority of component traits including seed yield per plant. Other three lines viz; MA-8701, MA-8812 and MA-9301 were also observed as good general combiners for most of component traits including seed yield per plant. Tester MR-43 and MR-44 were found good general combiner for earliness. On the basis of per se performance and specific combining ability, crosses namely MA-9301 x MR-44, MA-8701 x MR-38 and MA-9705 x MR-31 were observed as superior cross combinations for seed yield in desirable direction.