Genetic Diversity and Relationship in Ethiopian Mustard

Ethiopian mustard has evolved as a natural cross between Brassica nigra and B. oleracea in the highlands of Ethiopia.It is a source of food, manure, oil and raw material for many industries producing varnishes, paints, lubricants, diesel fuel, soap and lamps. Ethiopian mustard is a source of gene for improving disease resistance especially black leg, drought, shattering and insect resistances for other brassica species like B. napus and B. juncea. In order to exploit inherent potential of Ethiopian mustard for improving itself and its related and important brassica species collecting and studying diversity, genetic gain and interrelationship among agronomic traits of Ethiopian mustard from diverse regions of Ethiopia is crucial. As a matter of fact, 60 genotypes of Ethiopian mustard collected from 16 different and diverse regions of Ethiopia were studied in the present work. Thus, it is a valuable reference material for plant breeders, conservation specialists, students, development workers and other expertise.