Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Seed Yield and Its Component Traits in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under Western Uttar Pradesh Conditions

Abstract:

Although Indian mustard is a key oilseed crop in India, its per-hectare yield remains below the global average, primarily because seed production depends on numerous interacting traits. To address this, a field experiment was carried out during the rabi season at C.C.R.D. College in Muzaffarnagar. The aim was to explore how yield relates to its component traits and to pinpoint effective selection criteria for improving productivity under the specific conditions of Western Uttar Pradesh. Ten parent genotypes and forty-five F₁ hybrids were assessed for fifteen quantitative traits using a randomized block design with three replications. The genotypic correlation values were consistently higher than the phenotypic ones, revealing that most trait associations are largely influenced by genetic rather than environmental factors. Seed yield per plant displayed strong, positive associations with leaf area index, siliqua count per plant, biological yield, test weight, number of secondary branches, seeds per siliqua, harvest index, and main raceme length. On the other hand, flowering-related traits were negatively correlated with yield, highlighting the benefit of early-flowering genotypes. Path analysis further showed that leaf area index and siliquae per plant exerted the strongest direct effects on seed yield, followed by biological yield, test weight, secondary branches, seeds per siliqua, and harvest index. Collectively, these findings suggest that selecting genotypes with good canopy development, increased branching, high sink capacity, and heavier seeds can effectively raise seed yield in Indian mustard.