Heterosis study in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss]

Abstract

The country accounts for 13% of world's oilseeds area and 7% of production [1]. Oil seeds form the second largest agricultural commodity after cereals sharing 14% of the country's gross cropped area and accounting for nearly 5% of the gross national product and 10% value of all agricultural products. Heterosis is the most exploited biological phenomenon of the 20th century, which enabled breeders to significantly improve the crop performance by exploiting hybrid vigour [2]. Significant heterosis exists for seed yield and oil content in all oilseed crops regardless of breeding behaviour [3]. Further, to keep pace with new challenge, broading of genetic base for development of superior· hybrids and for exploitation of maximum heterosis assumes importance in mustard heterosis breeding [4]. For a successful hybrid breeding programme, it is essential that a significant heterosis is available in the F1 population and that a method is available for commercial seed production economically [5].