Context. Broadening the genetic base of canola (Brassica napus) is needed to develop improved hybrid cultivars. Wide genetic diversity is present in its parental species B. rapa and B. oleracea. In the case of B. rapa, the yellow sarson type from Asia is genetically distinct from all other types.

Aims. The objective of this research was to investigate the prospect of using yellow sarson to improve the performance of hybrid canola cultivars.

Methods. Inbred B. napus canola lines derived from an B. napus × B. rapa interspecific cross, and their F₁ hybrids with the B. napus parent, as a tester, were compared on agronomic and seed quality traits; the inbreds were also evaluated for genetic diversity by using molecular markers.

Key results. Seed yield of the hybrids was significantly greater than the inbreds and the B. napus parent and exhibited more than 15% mid-parent heterosis (MPH). Genetic diversity did not show significant correlation with seed yield in the inbred population; however, it showed a positive correlation with MPH. Inbred yield as well as MPH showed a positive correlation with hybrid yield. For other traits, the performance of the inbreds showed a significant positive correlation with the performance of the hybrids; the average MPH for these traits was low or close to zero.

Conclusions. The yellow sarson gene pool showed great potential for use in the breeding of hybrid canola.

Implications. The knowledge gained and germplasm developed from this research can be used by breeders and researchers to develop improved canola cultivars.