Leaf vegetables of Mizoram

Citation: 
Singh B K, Verma V K and Ramakrishna Y. 2014. Leaf vegetables of Mizoram. In: Climate Resilient Crops for the Future (Peter K V Ed.). NIPA, New Delhi, pp 383-404.
Email: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in
 
Mizoram, 23^rd state of India, is located between 21º58’ to 23º35’ N latitude and 92º15’ to 93º29’ E longitude which is surrounded by Tripura, Assam and Manipur in north frontier regions; Bangladesh in west; and Mayanmar in east and south. The undulated topography of Mizoram, known as Lushai hills during British period, has varied altitudes ranging from 21 to 2157 m above the mean sea level, annual rainfall of 2000-3200 mm, and mean monthly temperature of summer (monsoon) ranges from 14.6 ºC to 29.6 ºC. Besides having good rainfall; the vegetable production, including leaf vegetables, during winter period is limited by acute soil moisture stress caused by high rate of evapo-transpiration, almost no rain from November-March, non-availability of irrigation water and low water holding capacity of the sloppy land (Singh et al. 2011; Singh et al. 2013b). The terrain of Lushai hills is characterized by inaccessibility, marginality, fragility, ethnicity, rich bio-diversity and low crop productivity in general. The agricultural land in Mizoram is comprised of about 90% sloppy upland and 10% low land of valley (Singh et al. 2013a). The crops those potential are neither harnessed genetically nor grown commercially are commonly termed as underexploited crops. Most of them have remained either wild or semi-domesticated, and are traded and consumed locally. North-eastern states of India, including Mizoram, are one of the hot spots of plant biodiversity and therefore, considered as one of the richest reservoirs of genetic variability and diversity of various vegetable crops, herbs and spices (Yadav et al. 2009; Singh et al. 2013c). Leaf vegetables; also known as leafy greens, vegetable greens, salad greens, greens, salads or potherbs; are succulent plant leaves, sometimes accompanied by tender petioles and shoots, used as vegetable or for garnishing and flavouring of various food items. Usually, leaf vegetables are edible herbaceous, viny, shrubby or tree in growth habit; and are eaten with staples as main course or as supplementary food either in cooked, semi-cooked or raw form. These leafy greens are typically high in dietary fibre, minerals, proteins, vitamins, antioxidants, nutraceuticals and pigments; low in calories and fat; possess some medicinal values; and generate employment opportunities that is eventually options for “prosperity for the poor and health for all” by providing food, nutrition and income security.

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Singh BK, Pathak KA, Ramakrishna Y, Verma VK and Deka BC. 2013b. Vermicompost, mulching and irrigation level on growth, yield and TSS of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Indian Journal of Hill Farming 26 (2): 105-110.

Singh BK, Pathak KA, Verma AK, Verma VK and Deka BC. 2011. Effects of vermicompost, fertilizer and mulch on plant growth, nodulation and pod yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Vegetable Crops Research Bulletin 74: 153-165.

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Singh BK, Ramakrishna Y and Ngachan SV. 2014. Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.): A commonly used, neglected spicing-culinary herb of Mizoram, India. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 61 (6): 1085-1090.

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Allium fistulosum (Welsh onion): Spicing the cuisines of Mizo tribes

Allium fistulosum (Welsh onion): Spicing the cuisines of Mizo tribes.

Singh BK, Singh SB, Ramakrishna Y and Thapa M

Allium and Umbelliferae Improvement Newsletter 22: 33-35, 2012

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.): A commonly used, neglected spicing-culinary herb of Mizoram, India.

Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.): A commonly used, neglected spicing-culinary herb of Mizoram, India.

Singh BK, Ramakrishna Y and Ngachan SV

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 61 (6): 1085-1090, 2014, DOI 10.1007/s10722-014-0130-5.

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) is a leafy spice herb of tropical regions of world (America, South Asia, Pacific Islands, South Europe and Africa) which is used extensively for garnishing, marinating, flavouring and seasoning of foods. It is also used as an ethno-medicinal plant for the treatment of a number of ailments such as fevers, chills, vomiting, burns, fevers, hypertension, headache, earache, stomachache, asthma, arthritis, snake bites, scorpion stings, diarrhea, malaria and epilepsy. The main constituent of essential oil of the plant is eryngial (E-2-dodecenal). However, a significant variation in the plant morphology, composition of essential oil (> 60 constituents reported) and secondary metabolites resulted from genetic variability and geographic location. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-clastogenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic and anti-bacterial activity. Focus on holistic research approaches such as genetic enhancement to develop high yielding varieties (collection, conservation, evaluation, breeding and development of potential genotypes); efficient production technologies to harvest the plants in mass (cultivation under 50-75% shed-net and spray of gibberellic acid at a concentration of 100 ppm); post-harvest management to minimize marketing loss; and medicinal/ pharmaceutical investigations would be the best strategies to increase the yield and to promote industrial uses of Eryngium foetidum as an economically relevant crop.

Genotypic × environment interaction and stability analysis for yield and quality components in elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst) Nicolson].

Genotypic × environment interaction and stability analysis for yield and quality components in elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst) Nicolson].

Kumar S, Singh PK, Solankey SS and Singh BK

African Journal of Agricultural Research 9 (7): 707-712, 2014

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Genotypic × environment (G × E) interactions in 35 indigenous line of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Dennst Nicolson) were evaluated for two consecutive years of 2007 and 2008 under four environments in randomized block design (RBD) for yield, plant height, weight of corm, size of corm, dry matter and starch content. Mean squares deviation due to environment and environment linear variations were highly significant for all the traits. Linear component of genotype × environment interaction assumed importance for weight of corm, size of corm and yield. Thus, the prediction of the genotypes in the environments appeared to be feasible for all the characters under study. G × E interaction was found to be significant for dry matter and starch content indicating that these quality contributing traits were highly influenced by the change in environment leading to extension of analysis for estimating stability parameters. All traits significantly observed for environment + (genotype × environment) interaction confirming the influence of environment and suggesting the existence of considerable variation among genotypes as well as environments. On the basis of all three stability parameters (xi, bi and S2di), the genotype NDA-9 possesses high mean, nearer to unit regression and non-significant low deviation from regression. With respect to yield on the basis of all three adaptability parameters, it is evident that the genotype NDA-9 is stable as it possesses high mean, nearer to unit regression and non-significant low deviation from regression. Whereas the highest yielding genotype NDA-35 showed above average sensitivity and low deviation from regression, this genotype could be considered as a suitable for favorable environmental condition.

Genotype by environment interactions effects on yield and curcumin in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.).

Genotype by environment interactions effects on yield and curcumin in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.).

Anandaraj M, Prasath D, Kandiannan K, Zachariah T J, Srinivasan V, Jha A K, Singh BK, Singh AK, Pandey VP, Singh SP, Shoba N, Jana JC, Kumar KR, Maheswari KU

Industrial Crops and Products 53: 358-364, 2014

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Eleven cultivars were evaluated for fresh yield (10 environments), curing per cent, cucumin and dry yield (five environments) across India, four each in North and South India and two in North East India, ranging from 43 to 893 m above mean sea level. Combined analyses showed significant differences among cultivars, environments, and cultivar by environment interactions for yield, curing per cent and curcumin contents. A large proportion (70.8%) of variation on fresh yield was attributed to environments; however, for curing per cent, curcumin content and dry yield, genotype effect accounted for 31.2%, 17.7% and 15.7%of variation, respectively. Mega Turmeric was the most stable for fresh yield with above average yield per plant across all environments. Rajendra Sonia was performing well at specific locations as the fresh yield was high and was highly responsive to favorable environments. Results on curcumin and curing per cent showed that, IISR Kedaram performed consistently across five environments with regression values almost equal to one and non-significant deviation from regression was adjudged to be the most stable cultivar for curcumin production. High curcumin cultivar Narendra Tumeric-1 was least responsive at environments with regression values less than one and significant deviation from regression. Mega Turmeric-1, IISR Prathiba and IISR Kedaram showed high stability for dry yield across environments. Three varieties, Mega Turmeric-1, IISR Kedaram and IISR Prathiba could serve as a good genetic source for stability in breeding programs for high dry yield and curcumin content.

Genetic variability, heritability and interrelationships in pole-type French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Genetic variability, heritability and interrelationships in pole-type French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Singh BK, Deka BC and Ramakrishna Y

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences 84 (3): 587–592,
 2014, DOI 10.1007/s40011-013-0287-2

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), especially pole-type, is one of the most widely cultivated and popular vegetables in Mizoram due to its wide adaptability, round the year availability and better tender pod quality (slender, fleshy, soft and fewer parchment strings). However, there is little information on genetic variability, heritability and interrelationships of economic traits in pole-type French bean. Therefore, sixty-five genotypes (Indian and exotic collections) were evaluated. A significant genotypic mean square for the traits studied indicated sufficient variation among genotypes. Ten genotypes showed better pod yield potential (>13.5 t/ ha) which were collected from Mizoram (IC593590, IC593591, IC593594, MZFB-48, IC595238, MZFB-32, IC593593, MZFB-29, MZFB-51 and MZFB-47). Vine length, inter-nodal length, no. of nodules/ plant, nodule fresh weight, tender pod fresh weight, 100 seeds weight and pod yield showed additive gene action i.e. high heritability (> 80%) and high genetic advance (> 40%) which could be improved by selection and hybridization. While non-additive genes were responsible for days to 50% maturity (earliness) that could be exploited through heterosis breeding. However, both additive and non-additive genes accountable for pod length, no. of seeds/ pod and no. of pods/ plant and could be improve through reciprocal recurrent selection. Pod weight and number of pods/ plant could be reliable tools for selection indices to identify the productive genotypes and to realize maximum genetic gain. Viewing the genetic potential, it is convincing to include genotypes from Mizoram regions in the genetic enhancement as well as varietal improvement of French bean for tender pod yield.

Vermicompost, mulching and irrigation level on growth, yield and TSS of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Vermicompost, mulching and irrigation level on growth, yield and TSS of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Singh BK, Pathak KA, Ramakrishna Y, Verma VK and Deka BC

Indian Journal of Hill Farming 26 (2): 105-110, 2013

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted for two years to investigate the effect of vermicompost, organic mulching and irrigation level on growth, yield and quality attributes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) with an ultimate aim of optimizing water and nutrient requirement of tomato in mild-tropical climate during dry season. The vermicompost together with organic mulching increased plant height (106.5 cm), leaf area (40.6 cm2), leaf weight (1301 mg/ leaf), fruit weight (92.9 g), fruit yield (4.013 kg/ plant), fruit density (0.972 g/ cc), post-harvest shelf-life (15.0 days) and TSS (5.2º Brix) of tomato significantly. Application of vermicompost alone too increased the shelf-life of fruits by 25-106 % and TSS beyond 4.5 %, both of which are traits highly desirable for production of summer tomato and the related processing industry. The application of vermicompost @ 5 tonnes/ ha, 5 cm thick mulching with dried crop residues, two-thirds dose of NPK fertilizer (80:40:40 kg/ ha) and 30 % irrigation is optimum for obtaining better quality and productivity of field grown tomatoes during dry period of mild-tropical climate.

Heterosis for yield and other yield contributing economic traits in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.).

Heterosis for yield and other yield contributing economic traits in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.).

Prasad V, Dwivedi VK, Deshpande AA and Singh BK.

Proceedings of the XV EUCARPIA meeting on genetics and breeding of capsicum and eggplant, 2-4 September 2013, Torino, Italy, pp 697-700, 2013.

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Twenty-eight non-reciprocal F1brinjalhybrids (Solanum melongena L.) obtained from eight

diverse genotypes were evaluated to estimate heterosis over better parent, mid parent and standard checks for eighteen commercial traits. Four hybrids (Pusa Purple Long × Black Beauty, Gulabi Long ×Surati Ravaiya, Pusa Purple Long ×Gulabi Long and Pusa Purple Long × Green Long) in long fruited segment and one hybrid each in round fruited (Black Beauty ×Surati Ravaiya) and small fruited segment (BB-44 × Black Beauty)were excelled in economic heterosis and showed 7.82 to 112.87 % heterosis over various standard checks.These six hybrids could be evaluated in multi-location and may be released for commercial cultivation as per adaptability to various agroclimatic regions. The pink fruit colour is dominant over purple colour, nevertheless recessive with dark purple and black colour.

Quantification and inheritance of antioxidant properties and mineral content in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula).

Quantification and inheritance of antioxidant properties and mineral content in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula).

Karmakar P, Munshi AD, Behera TK, Kumar R, Sureja AK, Kaur C and Singh BK

Agricultural Research 2 (3): 222-228, 2013

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

With a view to develop nutritious ridge gourd variety, a field as well as a laboratory study was conducted to quantify and enumerate the genetic control for antioxidant properties and mineral content in fruits. The hybrids were found to be superior over their parents for various nutritional traits such as ascorbic acid, total carotenoids and total phenolics content; in vitro antioxidant activity in the form of DPPH-RSA, ABTS-RSA and CUPRAC; and P, K, Ca, Na, S, Fe, Zn and Mn content in the fruits. All the nutritional parameters exhibited higher values of dominance variance over the additive genetic variance, more than unity value of average degree of dominance and low narrow-sense heritability (\50 %). The antioxidants and mineral content in the fresh fruits are predominantly attributed by the non-additive genetic component.

Hence, the various tools of hybrid breeding would be useful to breed antioxidants- and minerals-rich genotypes of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula Roxb.).

Varieties and planting dates affect the growth, yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in mild-tropical environment.

Varieties and planting dates affect the growth, yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in mild-tropical environment.

Singh BK, Ramakrishna Y, Deka BC, Verma VK and Pathak KA

Vegetable Science 40 (1): 40-44, 2013

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

The present field experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of 11 released varieties in three planting dates under mild-tropical climatic conditions at ICAR-RC-NEH Region, Mizoram Centre, Kolasib, Mizoram. The planting of turmeric at last week of April in Mizoram result in better plant growth, higher fresh and dried rhizome yield, and greater curcumin content. Any delay in planting significantly affects the yield as well as quality of rhizomes. The fresh rhizome yield was harvested highest in Megha Turmeric-1 and Duggirala (430 q/ ha) followed by IISR Pratibha (400 q/ ha) and Roma (396 q/ ha). Further, dry matter yield potential was maximum in Duggirala (118.2 q/ ha) followed by Roma (114.0 q/ ha), IISR Pratibha (112.7 q/ ha) and Megha Turmeric-1 (105.7 q/ ha). The most promising quality trait, curcumin content was analysed to be higher in Megha Turmeric-1 (7.09 %) followed by IISR Allepy Supreme (6.16 %), Rajendra Sonia (6.16 %), IISR Pratibha (6.03 %) and Roma (5.98 %). In conclusion, four varieties such as Megha Turmeric-1, Duggirala, IISR Pratibha and Roma were excelled with respect to better plant growth, enhanced fresh rhizome yield and dry matter yield, and higher curcumin content.

Horticulture based farming system in Mizoram: an alternative to jhum cultivation.

Horticulture based farming system in Mizoram: an alternative to jhum cultivation.

Singh BK, Pathak KA, Boopathi T, Ramakrishna Y, Verma VK and Singh SB http://www.kiran.nic.in/pdf/publications/Mizoram/Horticulture_Based_Farming_System_in_Mizoram.pdf on 11.12.2013; 2013

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

In Mizoram, Jhum cultivation (shifting or slash-and-burn cultivation) is practiced in 40089 ha area which is about 38.64 % of net sown area. The Lushai terrain of state is endowed with wide agro-climatic conditions and sufficient genetic diversity; which provide virtuous scope for horticultural based farming system to replace non-productive and destructive Jhum practices by espousing soil conservation measures, in-situ moisture conservation, vermicomposting and nutrient management, crop diversification, use of high yielding varieties, proper crop rotation and orchard management, and high-tech horticulture. Most suitable horticultural crops are mandarin, banana, passion fruit, pineapple, areca nut, ginger, turmeric, bird’s eye chilli, chow-chow, cabbage, French bean, cowpea, vegetable mustard, Chinese kale, tomato, radish, pumpkin, brinjal, African eggplant, Solanum ferox, S. tarvum, ash gourd, okra, cauliflower, rice bean, Colocasia, Anthurium, rose and orchids. The ICAR-RC-NEH Region has successfully demonstrated the various technologies at own Farm and farmers’ field having significant impact on soil-water conservation and enhancing the Farm productivity such as soil and water conservation practices (construction of contour trenches, bench terraces, half-moon terraces, drainage line treatments and water harvesting structures); adopting high yielding varieties and potential local genotypes (15-55 %); mulching with local dry grasses (15-45 %); vermicomposting, micronutrient and INM (10-30 %); leaf and branch pruning (12-25 %); and protected nursery management and cultivation (25-450 %). Horticulture based farming system in Mizoram would certainly reduce the area under Jhum cultivation, and improve Farm productivity, income and sustainability.

Underutilized Vegetable Crops and Spices of Mizoram: Needs Exploration and Utilization.

Underutilized Vegetable Crops and Spices of Mizoram: Needs Exploration and Utilization.

Singh B K, Pathak K A and Ramakrishna Y

In: Developing the Potential of Underutilized Horticultural Crops of Hill Regions (Prakash N, Roy S S, Sharma P K and Ngachan S V Eds.).

Today & Tomorrow’s Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, pp 217-232; 2013

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Vegetable cultivation in Mizoram: status, issues and sustainable approaches.

Vegetable cultivation in Mizoram: status, issues and sustainable approaches.

Singh B K, Ramakrishna Y, Verma V K and Singh S B

 Indian Journal of Hill Farming 26 (1): 1-7, 2013

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

The terrains of Lushai hills (Mizoram) are endowed with rich genetic bio-diversity of various vegetables (Sechium edule, Cucurbita moschata, Benincasa hispida, Cucumis sativus, Momordica spp., Trichosanthes spp.,  Phaseolus vulgaris, Vigna unguiculata, Dolichus purpureous, Vigna umbellata, Parkia roxburghii, Psophocarpous tetragonolobus, Brassica juncea var. rugosa, Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra, Cyphomandra betacea, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma spp., Colocasia spp., Solanum melongena, Solanum gilo, Solanum macrocarpon, Capsicum annum, Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum chinense) which could be used to improve yield potential, quality and tolerance to stresses. Moreover, the use of hybrids/ high yielding varieties, access to knowledge and technologies, interactive demonstrations, better input delivery systems, good communication, and proper utilization of available resources would be very useful in enhancing the vegetables’ productivity, and ensuring the food and nutritional security to the tribal community.

Genetic variability, inheritance and correlation for mineral contents in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.).

Genetic variability, inheritance and correlation for mineral contents in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.).

Singh B K, Sharma S R and Singh B

Journal of Horticultural Research 21 (1): 91-97, 2013

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Brassica vegetables are important sources of dietary minerals. However, information on the inher-itance and correlation for content of mineral elements such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, and calcium in cabbage, which is essential if the quality of this vegetable is to be improved through breeding, is not available. Therefore, the experiment was set up with seventy-one cabbage genotypes including cultivars, germplasm, and F1 hybrids, grown in field. Mineral composition of the genotypes tested differed highly significantly indicating the presence of adequate amount of variability. A high heritability (>80%) accompanied by high genetic advance as percentage of mean (>40%) for uptake and accumulation of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Ca indicates the predominance of additive gene, which could be improved by hybridization followed by selection breeding approach. Nevertheless, heterosis breeding would be an imperative in increasing the K content in cabbage heads as indicated by non-additive gene action for K accumulation having high heritability (>80%) and low genetic advance as percentage of mean (<30%). Moreover, both additive and non-additive genes were responsible for individual head weight. A positive correlation for Fe, Zn and Mn contents with other minerals will help in simultaneous selection of mineral elements. Nevertheless, major yield contributing ‘head weight’ was negatively correlated with minerals content and emphasized the selection of smaller head size to maintain the higher mineral content in tissues of cabbage heads. Hence, assessing the heritability, inheritance and correlation for minerals would be useful in the developing mineral-rich and productive genotypes.

Hermaphrodite inbreds with better combining ability improve antioxidant properties in ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L.].

Hermaphrodite inbreds with better combining ability improve antioxidant properties in ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L.].

Karmakar P, Munshi A D, Behera T K, Kumar R, Kaur C and Singh B K

Euphytica 191 (1): 75-84, 2013

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

An experiment was conducted with the objectives to evaluate the breeding potential of hermaphrodite lines and to suggest suitable breeding approaches following half-diallel mating design for genetic improvement of antioxidant content and activity in ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L.] fruits. Twenty-eight genotypes, including seven parental lines and 21 crosses, were grown in randomized block design with three replications for fruit sample collection. The highly significant mean squares due to parents, hybrids and parents vs. hybrids; and GCA and SCA for yield and antioxidants (ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, total phenolics, DPPH-RSA, ABTS-RSA and CUPRAC assay) indicate the existence of abundant genetic variation. The per se performance and combining ability of hermaphrodite parents (Satputia Long and Satputia Small) and hybrids of  “monoecious × hermaphrodite” cross were found to be superior for antioxidants along with yield potential. The cross combinations with superior per se performance coupled with high SCA estimates and having at least one hermaphrodite parent would be useful for concentrating desirable alleles to improve the antioxidants and yield simultaneously. Thus, hermaphrodite lines in combination with monoecious counterpart have enormous potential to breed “genotypes for higher antioxidants” without compromising yield in ridge gourd.

Genetic combining ability for concentration of mineral elements in cabbage head (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Genetic combining ability for concentration of mineral elements in cabbage head (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

B K Singh, S R Sharma, and B Singh

Euphytica 184: 265-273, 2012

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Brassica vegetables are important source of dietary nutrition. However, information on the genetic combining ability of mineral elements such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, potassium and calcium or their types of genetic effects (i.e. additive or non-additive) is scarce but important as it influences the selection of parents and breeding approaches to be adopted for improvement of nutritional quality of cabbage. Therefore, an attempt was made to estimate combining ability in a line × tester (5 × 11) mating design for minerals. Significant mean square for line × tester interaction was observed for all minerals under study indicating the prevalence of non-additive variance; while less than unity value of σ²_gca /σ²_sca ratio for iron, zinc, manganese, potassium and calcium accumulation indicate predominance of non-additive gene action. The parents 83-2, Pride of Asia, Pusa Mukta, Red Cabbage and MR-1 were found good general combiners for four mineral elements. The general combining ability effects of the parents for various minerals revealed that none of the parents excelled for all the minerals suggesting the need for multiple crossing approaches. The cross 83-1 × AC-1019 (Poor × Poor general combiner) exhibits desirable significant specific combining ability effects for all six minerals might be due to presence of high magnitude of non-additive especially complementary epistatic effects which can be utilize for commercial exploitation of heterosis. This study shows clearly that specific combining ability is more important than general combining ability for predicting hybrid combinations for high mineral content in cabbage head.