Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in linseed (Linum usitatissimum)*

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were estimated for seed yield and other quantitative characters in linseed (Linum usitatissium L.). The experimental material was developed using seven identified Alternaria blight resistant/tolerant lines, viz. BAU-610A, EC-384154, JRF-3, JRF-4, Polf34, H-25, H-22 and four diverse agronomic parents, viz. Padmini, Parvati, Shubhra and LCK-3003. Parents were crossed in Line x Tester design during rabi 2003–04 and resultant 28 F_1s and F_2s alongwith parents were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications during 2005–06. The maximum variability was recorded for incidence of Alternaria blight, followed by plant height, number of capsules plant⁻¹ and number of primary branches plant⁻¹ in both F₁ and F₂ generations. Highest estimate of heritability was recorded for plant height, followed by oil content in both the generations. All the characters exhibited high heritability but differential magnitude of genetic advance.