The univariate and multivariate techniques were used to assess 31 diverse Indian mustard accessions for nine yield-related traits. The univariate analyses unveiled significant variation among the evaluated genotypes for all the estimated traits. Traits reflecting high heritability (h2) and genetic advances were determined. The number of secondary branches (NSB)/plant (63.77%), economic yield (EY) (31.79%), and main shoot length (30.19%) suggested substantial additive gene effects, making early-generation selection effective. Correlation and path coefficient analyses showed the total siliquae number on the main shoot (NSMS), the NSBs, and the total number of seeds per silique (NSPS) as key contributors to seed yield. Multivariate analyses (principal component PC and hierarchical cluster analyses) categorized studied accessions into distinct groups, revealing trait associations and genetic diversity. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that PC1 and PC2 accounted for genetic diversity, with total NSMS, NSB, and NSPS contributing the most. All the evaluated genotypes showcased significant potential in fostering robust hybrid vigor for almost all the traits. Specifically, six genotypes were found to be the most diverse, and BAUT 081, TKM-17-1, SHIVSHI SHIVAN, and PBH-14 were associated with EY and related traits, suggesting to serve as valuable donors in future breeding programs The study emphasizes the importance of integrating multiple statistical techniques to enhance genotype selection precision and Indian mustard breeding efficiency.. KEYWORDS :Agronomic traits, Crop improvement, Genetic diversity, Mustard, Phenotypes
PONNIYATH et al. (Sun,) studied this question.