Genetic Variability among Rapeseed (B. napus L.) Genotypes for Seed-Yield and Seed-Quality Traits

Abstract

Brassica napus L. is one of the essential oilseed crops playing a significant role in commercial edible oil production. To determine diversity within this specie, ten different genotypes of B. napus L. including Chinese (CA-2, CA-4, CA-5) and doubled haploid lines from a population were field-tested at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar (UAP). Genotypes were examined for seven morphological traits including days to flowering, primary branches mainstem−1, plant height, main raceme length, pods mainraceme−1, pod length, 1000-seed weight and three seed quality traits; oil content, glucosinolate and erucic acid. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) found significant variation among Brassica napus L. lines for all the studied morphological and seed quality traits. Furthermore, analysis of correlation revealed that 1000 seed weight was significantly correlated with primary branches on main stem, main raceme length, pods mainraceme−1, and pod length. Two traits erucic acid and pod length had significant correlation with oil content. Among the studied lines, DH-3 had high oil content, DH-2 had low glucosinolate and CA-2 had low erucic acid content. Similarly, CA-2 and CA-5 performed better for seed-related traits. Based on the results of current study, genetic variation was observed in studied lines. Also, CA-2 and CA-5 were identified as superior genotypes for seed yield and hence were the best genetic resources to increase seed yield in rapeseed. Traits including primary branches on main raceme, pods mainraceme−1, pod length and erucic acid were important while making indirect selection to improve seed weight and oil content in rapeseed.