GENOTYPIC VARIABILITY, HERITABILITY AND GENETIC ADVANCE IN ETHIOPIAN MUSTARD (BRASSICA CARINATA A.BRAUN.) GENOTYPES AT NORTHWESTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The assessment of genetic variability is fundamental for the purpose of to identify the most important traits in Ethiopian mustard breeding program. The objective of the study was to estimate variability, heritability and genetic advance on thirty six morphological characters of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) genotypes were evaluated Adet Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in simple lattice design. ANOVA of the experiment showed highly significant (p<0.01) for Day of maturity, grain filling period, number of pod per plot, secondary branches  per plant, harvest index, seed yield per plot, seed yield per hectare and oil content. Significant differences (p<0.01) were noted for day of flowering, plant height, primary branch per plant, biomass per plot, oil yield per plot. High phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was recorded for days to flowering, grain filling period, plant height, secondary branches per plant, harvest index, oil yield per plot, seed yield per plot and hectare. The magnitudes of PCV and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were high for grain filling period, plant height and secondary branches per plant. Heritability estimates were high for days to maturity, grain-filling period, days to flowering, plant height, biomass per plot, secondary branches per plant, primary branches per plant, oil content and oil yield per plot. High heritability was coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean for plant height, grain filling period, secondary branches per plant were recorded. The study showed that there are variation in the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in traits under study which can facilitate selection for further improvement of important traits of Ethiopian mustard.