Assessment of Genetic Divergence for Quantitative Traits in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Abstract

Background: Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important oilseed crop for which the identification of genetically diverse parents can support breeding for yield and related traits. Aim: The present investigation was conducted in the field of Genetics and Plant Breeding at the College of Agriculture, Latur (Maharashtra), during Rabi 2024-2025. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of genetic divergence among 40 linseed genotypes for ten quantitative traits and to identify diverse parents for future breeding programmes. Study design: A Randomised Block Design with two replications was used. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Latur (VNMKV, Parbhani), Maharashtra, India, during Rabi 2024-2025. Methodology: Forty genotypes of linseed were evaluated for ten quantitative traits, viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight (g), harvest index (%), oil content (%) and seed yield per plant (g). Genetic diversity was assessed using the Mahalanobis D² statistic, and the genotypes were clustered using Tocher's method. Results: The 40 genotypes were grouped into 8 clusters, indicating considerable genetic diversity. The highest contribution towards genetic divergence was made by 1000-seed weight, followed by plant height, number of capsules per plant and number of branches per plant. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between Cluster VII and Cluster VIII, suggesting wide genetic variability and greater heterosis potential. Conclusion: The presence of substantial genetic divergence among linseed genotypes suggests the predominance of additive gene action and the effectiveness of selection for these traits. Crosses between genotypes from widely divergent clusters, particularly those from Cluster VII and Cluster VIII, are likely to produce transgressive segregants and may be utilised in future breeding programmes for yield and related trait improvement.