Assessment of Elite Genotypes of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) for Genetic Variability, Correlation Studies and Path Coefficient Analysis

An experiment was conducted to assess the induced genetic variability with a view to identify encouraging genotypes for yield and related traits in linseed. Sixteen linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes were evaluated in randomized block design in three replications during rabi 2021-2022 for thirteen agro morphological characters to estimate the genetic parameters of variability. Analyses of variance specify presence of wide range of genetic variability among genotypes for all the characters. The higher phenotypic coefficient values than corresponding genotypic coefficient values depicted influence of environment in the expression of characters. Harvest index exhibited highest GCV and PCV (24.284 and 25.232) value while the lowest GCV and PCV was observed for days to maturity (4.998 and 5.757). High rate of PCV and GCV indicates sufficient variability, denotes the effectiveness of the selection of desirable types for development of such traits. The high expected genetic advance expressed as percentage of mean were recorded for final plant stand followed by initial plant stand, harvest index and capsules per plant. High heritability was observed for chlorophyll. Path analysis released, direct and in direct effect. Highest positive direct effect on seed yield per plant was shown plant height (0.371) followed by number of primary branches (0.39), final plant stand (0.245), days to first flowering (0.21) and harvest index (0.114). The obtained results could be used further in breeding programmes.