Character association and genetic divergence analysis in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Character association and genetic divergence analysis in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)” involving forty genotypes of linseed was undertaken to examine genetic divergence. The maximum intra cluster distance was observed for cluster VII followed by cluster VI, cluster V, cluster IV, cluster III, cluster I whereas the minimum intra cluster distance was recorded in case of cluster II. Genotypes belonging to cluster VII (LCK-283 and LCK-206) exhibited maximum genetic diversity within the cluster as compared to the genotypes belonging to other clusters. Hence, hybridization could be taken up among these genotypes (LCK-283 and LCK-206) for obtaining desirable segregants for the yield and yield component traits. The maximum inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster I and VI indicating greater genetic divergence between the genotypes belonging to these clusters and crosses involving genotypes viz.,LMH-176, R-552, LCK-293 and LCK-8605 of cluster I; LM-820, LCK-8648, LHCK-69, LCK-8657 of cluster VI is suggested. Crosses in the above combinations are expected to provide enough genetic variability among the population in the segregating generations. Hence, selection of better plant type could be made for yield and yield component traits. High hybrid vigour for yield can also be obtained by involving genetically diverse genotypes in the crosses which would be useful in the development of hybrids in linseed.