Correlation and Path Coefficients Analysis of Yield and Yield Attributes in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season 2024–2025 at the Pili Kothi Farm of T.D.P.G. College, Jaunpur. The breeding material comprised ten varieties and one check variety of Indian mustard, namely Kranti, RH-406, Laxmi, Seeta, DRMR-15-31, Pusa Mustard 21, Radhika, Maya, Brijraj, Pusa Agrani, and Varuna (check variety). Thus, a total of eleven genotypes were evaluated in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The genotypes were obtained from the Directorate of Rapeseed and Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Correlation analysis revealed that seed yield per plant (SYPP) had a positive and significant association with length of main raceme (LMR), indicating its importance in yield improvement. Positive but non-significant associations were observed between SYPP and harvest index (HI), plant height (PH), and leaf area index (LAI). The number of siliquae per plant (NSP), test weight (TSW), and seeds per siliqua (SPS) showed weak or negative associations with seed yield. Overall, LMR, HI, and PH may be useful selection criteria for improving seed yield in Indian mustard. Path analysis revealed that LMR had a positive and significant correlation with SYPP and exerted a high positive direct effect, identifying it as an important selection criterion. Harvest index, plant height, and leaf area index also exhibited positive direct effects on seed yield. In contrast, NSP and TSW showed negative direct effects on seed yield. Overall, the results of path analysis indicated that LMR, HI, and PH are important traits contributing directly to seed yield and should be given priority in selection programmes for the improvement of Indian mustard.