DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW OILSEED RAPE VARIETY NIFA SARSON-T20 THROUGH PHYSICAL MUTAGENESIS

Abstract

Induced mutagenesis has been proven as one of non-conventional approaches to create genetic variability. In line with the objective to develop a high seed and oil yielding oilseed rape cultivar; 4000 healthy seeds of an advanced rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) line NR-23 having 8 percent moisture were irradiated @ 1, 1.2 and 1.4 kGy in 2010 using cobalt-60 source. Single plant selections were executed based on yield and yield contributing traits following pedigree method of selection from M_2-M₄ generations. Homozygous progenies of the pedigree number 011-K-16-3 selected from 1 kGy were bulked during 2013. The mutant with line code 011-K-16-3 was evaluated at station and outstation seed yield trials from 2013-14 to 2017-18. The mutant performed better than checks in Preliminary, Advanced, Zonal and National Uniform Rapeseed Yield Trials (NURYT). It has out yielded Hyola-401 and Faisal Canola by 26% and 23%, respectively in the multi-location adaptation seed yield trials conducted at selected sites in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab. It has also exceeded the national check Faisal Canola by 5% on location mean basis in the NURYT (2016-17 and 2017-18). It maintained its superiority in oil yields over the check Faisal Canola at station and in NURYTs. It is medium maturing, tall (190-205cm) featured with ramification at middle low, tolerant to alternaria blight, high seed yield (3000-3300 kg ha^-1); high oil contents (43-46%) and low erucic acid (< 5%). The Provincial Seed Council approved it with name NIFA Sarson-T20 for growing in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).