Early generation selection for aphid resistance and seed yield in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss)

Single plant selection in F2 progeny was effective when the performance of the selected F2 single plant families were compared with the respective bulk progenies. The mean first infestation scores for aphids of all the families were significantly lower than the respective bulk progenies. Selected single plant progenies also recorded higher mean values for important traits related to aphid infestation. Seed yield per plant showed significantly positive genotypic correlation with height up to first branch, number of siliqua on branches, total number of siliqua per plant and 100 seed weight. First infestation score for aphids showed significantly negative correlations with length of main raceme, number of primary and secondary branches. Second infestation score showed significantly negative correlation with length of main raceme and number of primary branches but showed significantly positive correlation with first aphid infestation score. The result suggested that lines with higher aphid resistance and higher seed yield could be selected from the progenies, if selection is practiced for shorter plant height, more number of primary branches, higher number of seeds per siliqua and 100 seed weight along with lower infestation scores.