PUNJAB SARSON: AN INTRODUCTION OF NEW CANOLA VERSION HIGH YIELDING VARIETY RELEASED FOR GENERAL CULTIVATION IN THE PUNJAB

The promising strain rbn-03052 is an outcome of hybridization (ks-75 x rainbow) and selected through pedigree method of selection since 1998-99. homozygous progenies of pedigree number f6-6052 were bulked in 2003-04 for yield evaluation. its performance was evaluated through station, zonal, micro yield trials and national uniform rapeseed yield trials. rbn- 03052 has proved its worth in all yield trials and its performance is better than all the existing cultivated varieties. its maximum potential of 2833 kg/ha was achieved in 2005-06 at oilseeds research station, khanpur. it produced 33.96% higher yield in micro yield trials carried during 2006-07. similarly, its yield surpassed the checks with 2.80% and 10.27% in national uniform rapeseed yield trials carried out during 2006-07 to 2007-08 respectively. the new strain showed tolerance against insect pests and diseases specially alternaria blight, powdery mildew, downy mildew and white rust. agronomic studies revealed that this variety fits in a better way with the existing agronomic package of technology. the new strain rbn-03052 named as punjab sarson is first canola version variety developed locally and is released for commercial cultivation in both irrigated and barani regions of the punjab.