Genetic diversity in linseed

Two hundred ninety eight accessions of linseed (Linum usitatissimum 1.) comprising 101 exotic and 197 indigenous collections were studied for genetic divergence for a set of 9 characters. The accessions were grouped into 10 clusters. The genetic diversity was not related to the geographic diversity. Based on divergence and superior clusters mean, crosses among the genotypes from cluster V, VI, VII and IX may result in superior types. The genotypes viz. EC-41646, EC-41495, EC-41767 and IC-61322 for high oil, EC-236, EC-1413, IC-53262, IC-53291, IC-59012 and IC-60431 for high yield and EC-236, EC-1475, EC-41737 and EAC-41764 for fiber may be used in hybridization programme as superior parents.