Genetic-morphological Characterization and Diversity Analysis of Linseed (Linum usitattissimum L.) Germplasm

Aims: To study morphological and genetic diversity among 100 Linseed (Linseed usitassimum L.) germplasm accessions.

Study Design: Augmented RBD Design in five blocks with four checks.

Place and Duration of Study: College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. During rabi 2020-2021 and rabi 2021-2022.

Methodology: A total of 100 linseed germplasm accessions and four standard checks were studied by examining 10 quantitative traits which contribute to yield and its attributing traits. And observations recorded.

Results: Outcome of the study revealed that analysis of variance for 10 quantitative characters showed differences for various characters. Results from genetic variability analysis state that the highest GCV/PCV was recorded for the traits 50% flowering, secondary branches plant-1, no. of capsules plant-1, and seed yield plant-1. Highest heritability was observed for all the traits under study. Highest heritability coupled with the highest genetic advance as percent was reported for 50% flowering, followed by secondary branches plant-1, no. of capsules plant-1, 1000 seed weight (g), and seed yield plant-1. Seven accessions such as LCK-9406, NL-126, Sumerpur Local, SJKO-8, L-103, EC-397752, R.S.-6 were recorded as having the highest oil content (%) greater than >42%. The highest seed yield plant-1 along with the highest oil content (%) was recorded in four accessions such as Sumerpur Local, EC-397752, LCK-9406, SJKO-8.

Conclusion: The linseed accessions used in the current study showed significant variability for most of the characters. Observed accessions having the highest seed yield (g) and oil content (%) can be further utilized in the breeding programs based on breeder requirement.