Revealing the Dominant Inheritance of the Multilocular Trait in Brassica Rapa var. Yellow Sarson: A Breakthrough in Brassica Crop Breeding

Abstract

Abstract Yellow sarson (Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson) is an indispensable oilseed crop where the multilocular ovary trait enhances yield potential. Elucidating the inheritance pattern of multilocularity will empower breeding efforts. This study aimed to dissect the genetics governing ovary locule number in yellow sarson using crosses between multilocular (Pant Pili Sarson 1, NDYS) and bilocular (Pant Girija, B9) lines. F1, F2 and backcross generations were developed and analyzed for segregation of locule number. Results revealed monogenic dominant inheritance of the multilocular trait. All F1 progeny exhibited multilocularity, indicating dominance. The F2 population showed Mendelian 3:1 segregation of multilocular to bilocular phenotypes, confirming control by a single dominant locus. Backcrosses to multilocular parents produced all multilocular offspring, while crosses to bilocular parents showed 1:1 segregation, validating the model. These findings contrast with previous reports of recessive inheritance in Brassicas, likely reflecting differing genetic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the single dominant gene uncovered simplifies breeding efforts to enhance this beneficial high-yielding trait. By elucidating the genetics underlying multilocularity in yellow sarson, this work