Ranking-based maiden modeling for DUS characterization of newly developed Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) inbred lines and hybrids
摘要
Broccoli, the "Crown Jewel of Nutrition," has tremendous potential because of the conversion of myrosinase-mediated glucoraphanin to the chemopreventive glucosinolate compound, sulforaphane. Unlike cauliflower, very little information is available on its morphological characterization, which serves as a major bottleneck for further broccoli enhancement efforts. Keeping in view its utmost importance, line × tester design for hybrid seed production during rabi, 2021–2022 followed by their morphological characterization was carried out at four locations; i.e., Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Berthin; CSK HPKV Palampur; Balh valley of Mandi and Kandkosari (Baijnath) during rabi, 2022–2024 in Randomized Complete Block Design (RBD), using 24 accessions; i.e., three CMS lines, five testers, 15 hybrids, and one standard check following the criteria of Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) developed by The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Accessions 13, 24, and 21 secured 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ranks with a frequency distribution of 16 (64%), 14 (56%), and 13 (52%) out of the 25 best ideotype traits, respectively. The cluster analysis confirmed the construction of five clusters. Substantial variability was noticed among the quantitative and qualitative traits, with coefficients of variation (CV) and the Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H') varied from 2.10–10.60 to 0.173–1.36, respectively. This study is the first to extensively characterize broccoli germplasm in India. To convert underutilized broccoli to a mainstream commercial crop, this study identified morphological descriptors that can be utilized to achieve reduced perishability, high consumer preference, and wider regional adaptation.