Genetic Variation, Heritability and Path Analysis of Summer Rapeseed Cultivars

Abstract

Six spring rapeseed varieties were studied for variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path analysis of seed
yield and yield components. Signifi cant differences determined among genotypes for most of the traits indicated that there is
suffi cient variability available to make effective selections. Genotypic and phenotypic variances were highest for seed yield per plant followed by seed yield. Broad sense heritability estimates ranged from 0.87 to 0.99. High heritability with low genetic advance of plant height and pod length indicated the infl uence of dominant and epistatic effects of these traits. High heritability of seed yield per plant, seed yield, pods per main stem coupled with high genetic advance revealed that additive gene effects are important in
determining these characters and could be improved through mass selection. Positive and signifi cant correlation of seed yield with
plant height, pods per main stem, seeds per pod and seed yield per plant indicated for higher seed yield. Pods per main stem, seeds per pod and plant height showed a considerable direct positive effect on seed yield per plant for almost all genotypes. These yield components can be used as selection criteria to improve seed yield of summer type rapeseed.