Are "multiple Cross-multiple pollen hybrids" an answer for productive populations in Brassica campestris var. 'brown sarson'? : Part 3. Potential of component characters in population breeding.

Results on 167 f1 'mucromphs' reported earlier were re-examined with the view of determining the potential of component characters in correct identification of parental gca status and F1 heterosis. It was found that a judicious combination of 'plant' and 'ratio' characters would be of direct usefulness in assessing population performance. The role of seedling characters in the process of making a desired level of multiple cross was illustrated. It was found that H X L mucromphs could provide a broad genetic base which has a higher probability of getting channelised into productive populations. It was concluded that 'multiple cross-multiple pollen hybrids' can provide a feasible solution for breeding productive composite populations in Brassica campestris.