**2.8 Population improvement**

Cross-pollinated crops and Brassica vegetables have benefited from population improvement. In India, mass selection has been routinely utilized to enhance the genetics of radish. This approach is useful for genetic gain of simply inherited monogenic characteristics, but it is inefficient for qualities regulated by polygenes. Significant genetic variety for variables of relevance, as found by several studies in radish [103–108], is a precondition for crop development. Many cultivars have been produced across the globe with various goals in mind. Based on progeny appraisal, changes such as mass pedigree and family selection are superior to basic mass selection. The decision between these strategies is determined by the population's homogeneity. Recurrent selection is a preferable choice for improving quantitative traits, particularly those controlled by additive gene activity. This approach is helpful for improving leaf morphology, root form, size, color, yield, and other economic features. Kashi Lohit, a red radish cultivar, was developed at ICAR-IIVR in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, using a simple recurrent selection to target red color root, tapering root form, and yield. Kashi Lohit has around 30–125% more nutrients such as ascorbic acid, total phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidants than white-rooted commercial radish cultivars [109]. Inbred lines may be produced by breaking down SI barriers using either BP or chemical induction procedures (NaCl or CO2). Many cultivars have been released in India by public sector organizations including Kashi Hans, Kashi Sweta, Kashi Mooli-40, Kashi Lohit, and Kashi Aardra as some of the characters. VRRAD-150 (ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi); Pusa Desi, Pusa Reshmi, Pusa Chetki, and others. Pusa Himani, Pusa Mridula, Pusa Jamuni, and Pusa Gulabi [ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi]; Hisar Sel-1 [Hisar Agricultural Research Institute]. Hisar University (HAU)]; Kalyanpur-1 [Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Technology] Kanpur's College of Science, Agriculture, and Technology (CSAUAT)]; Chaudhary, Palam Hriday Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur]; Punjab Safed and Punjab Pasand [Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)]; as well as Arka Nishant [ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticulture Research] (IIHR), Bengaluru].
