Stability analysis in genetically variant oilseed Brassica germplasm for Sclerotinia-rot resistance

Ninety two genotypes of oilseed Brassica juncea and Brassica napus were evaluated over three environments for analysis of stability parameters in relation to Sclerotinia rot resistance with responsible characters viz: plant age at the time of inoculation, stem diameter, stem lesion length and percent plant wilted/dead. The analysis of variance for stability revealed the presence of genetic variability in studied material for all the characters. The linear component of Genotype X Environment interactions was significant for all the characters, which indicates that the major portion of interaction was linear in nature and prediction of stable genotype for Sclerotinia-rot resistance over the environments was possible. Therefore, genotypes AG Spectrum, RQ011, RH13 and Ringot were found stable for Sclerotinia-rot resistance under normal environmental conditions. However, under congenial environmental conditions only six genotypes namely JM018, Ag Outback, Monty, Brassica juncea 1, Brassica juncea 2 and Brassica juncea 3 were most stable for resistance, which may be utilized for further improving genetic base for Sclerotinia-rot resistance in oilseed Brassica.   Key words: Brassica juncea, Brassica napus, Sclerotinia-rot, stability.