Studies on inter-specific hybridisation in oilseed crop Brassicas

Abstract

Twelve intra- and inter-specific crosses using Brassica juncea and Brassica napus as parents were made to study the potentials of inter-specific hybridization in the improvement B. juncea. The results suggested that the F1 cross compatibility of inter-specific crosses was similar to that of intra-specific crosses. Getting adequate number of plants in the F2 of inter-specific crosses for higher productivity would not be a limitation. The individual F2 selections were ranked on the basis of stepwise multiple regression index using seed yield as dependent variable. Suggestions were made to go for inter-specific hybridizations in the improvement of B. juncea.