Abstract:
Improvement of the new rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cultivars requires efficient tools to
monitor traits relationship in a breeding program. Thirty six rapeseed genotypes were evaluated
based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Baykola Agricultural
Research Station during 2010-11 and 2011-12 growing seasons. Significant genotypes effects were
exhibited for phenological traits, plant height, yield components, seed and oil yields, indicating
significant genetic differences among the genotypes. Broad sense heritability values were greater
for days to flowering (0.98), pods per plant (0.71) and seeds per pod (0.77), indicating that these
traits are controlled mainly by genetic effects and therefore selection of these traits may be effective
for improving seed yield. Pods per plant and seeds per pod were significant positive correlated
with seed yield and the results of stepwise regression analysis indicated that these traits explained
73% of total yield variation. On the basis of cluster analysis, all the genotypes were classified in
three groups, and the group with high mean values of plant height, pods per plant and seeds per
pod had also high mean values of seed and oil yields.
