Gene Effects of Yield and its Components in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea Czern & Coss.)

Ten diverse parent of Indian mustard were crossed in 10 x 10 diallel design excluding reciprocals Analysis. of the data on seed yield and its ten component characters suggested that dominant genes were more frequent than recessive ones for all the characters studied except days to flower in both the generations. Symmetrical proportions of positive and negative genes were observed for days to flower, plant height and seed yield per plant, while asymmetrical proportions of positive and negative genes were observed for the remaining characters. More than one major gene groups were involved in the inheritance of most of the characters. Predominance of non-additive gene action was observed for seed yield and its components characters. The exploitation of non-additive gene action through heterosis breeding or population improvement by intermating the improved genotypes in successive generations is suggested for improvement of seed yield and its component characters.