Genetic Variation and Heritability Estimates of Quality Traits in Brassica napus L.

Abstract

To quantify genotypic variability and heritability among 8 Brassica napus genotypes were evaluated at New Developmental Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar during 2010-11. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (P?0.01) among Brassica napus genotypes for all the character studied except for oil content. Mean values showed that maximum for oil content (52.0 %) for genotype CH-4, protein content (22.6 %) for genotype PGRI-7, glucosinolate content (85.4 umolg^-1) for genotype CH-4 and erucic acid content (59.2 %) for genotype CH-3. One the other hand, minimum mean values for genotype PGRI-7, oil content  (47.3 %) for genotype CH-1, protein content (18.4 %) for genotype CH-2, glucosinolate content (49.0 umolg^-1) for genotype CH-2, erucic acid content (35.0 %) for genotype CH-2. In addition, high broad sense heritability estimates were observed for erucic acid content (0.90), glucosinolate content (0.53), protein content (0.45) and oil content (0.16). In conclusion, significant differences among Brassica napus genotypes indicated sufficient variability among the tested material to have an effective selection. The trend of heritability (moderate to high) in the present study indicates that there is more genetic control and selection should lead to quick improvement. Furthermore Genotype CH-2 surpassed other genotype in quality traits and could be used in future breeding program.

Keywords: Brassica napus, variability, heritability, quality traits, oil content