Genetic Divergence in Linseed

The present investigation on genetic divergence was carried out in 40 agronomical varieties of linseed. Days to flowering and plant height seemed to be important contributors to total divergence. The study revealed wide diversity among the varieties from one another on the whole and also among those from the same source. The 40 populations were grouped into twelve clusters, including six with only a single variety each. The clustering pattern revealed that genetic and geographic diversity were not necessarily related. The effect of human interference upon genetic divergence and the use of genetically diverse varieties in breeding have also been discussed.