PUNJAB SARSON: AN INTRODUCTION OF NEW CANOLA VERSION HIGH YIELDING VARIETY RELEASED FOR GENERAL CULTIVATION IN THE PUNJAB

The promising strain RBN-03052 is an outcome of hybridization (KS-75 x Rainbow) and selected through pedigree method of selection since 1998-99. Homozygous progenies of pedigree number F6-6052 were bulked in 2003-04 for yield evaluation. Its performance was evaluated through station, zonal, micro yield trials and National Uniform Rapeseed Yield Trials. RBN- 03052 has proved its worth in all yield trials and its performance is better than all the existing cultivated varieties. Its maximum potential of 2833 kg/ha was achieved in 2005-06 at Oilseeds Research Station, Khanpur. It produced 33.96% higher yield in micro yield trials carried during 2006-07. Similarly, its yield surpassed the checks with 2.80% and 10.27% in National Uniform Rapeseed Yield Trials carried out during 2006-07 to 2007-08 respectively. The new strain showed tolerance against insect pests and diseases specially Alternaria blight, Powdery mildew, Downy mildew and White rust. Agronomic studies revealed that this variety fits in a better way with the existing agronomic package of technology. The new strain RBN-03052 named as Punjab Sarson is first canola version variety developed locally and is released for commercial cultivation in both irrigated and barani regions of the Punjab.