Surhan-2012: A Novel High Yielding, Insect Resistant, and High Oil Content Canola Variety Released for General Cultivation in the Sindh Province.

Genetic variability is a prerequisite for any effective breeding program. Surhan-2012 (R00-125/14) is the mutant line that developed through mutation breeding (Gamma radiation) from Rainbow parent. Initially, the promising mutant line was selected from mutant population and advanced homozygous mutant progenies during 2004-05 for yield evaluation in zonal varietal trials and the national uniform rapeseed yield trials (NURYT). The resultant variety exhibited the highest seed yield (2826 kg ha-1) in NURYT compared to other contesting advanced genotypes during 2008-09. Surhan-2012 was performed better for seed yield (1460.8 kg ha-1) as compared to parent genotype (800kg/ha seed yield) in advanced station yield trials. Surhan-2012 produced higher seed yield (1818kg/ha) than local check varieties (1457 kgha-1) in NURYT during 2007-08 and similar trend was observed during 2008-09. The oil quality of Surhan-2012 was also determined. The mutated variety showed 9.7% increase in its oil content and novel fatty acid profile which was comparatively higher than the commercial check variety. It was also tolerant against insect pest and diseases including Alternaria blight, powdery mildew, downy mildew and white rust. The agronomic study suggested that this mutant stain (R00-125/14) best fits in the existing cropping system and agronomic package of technology. Surhan-2012 is a first canola mutant variety developed through the induced mutagenesis (gamma irradiations), released for general cultivation practices in the province of Sindh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]