Selection Strategy and Estimation of Interrelationships for Improvement of Seed Yield and Other Related Traits in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Thirty five genotypes of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) were evaluated to determine the selection strategy and interrelationships of seed yield and yield related traits, during rabi 2013–14. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all the genotypes for all the traits under study. Sufficient genetic variability was observed in the present material selected for the study, through various genetic variability parameters, indicating the scope for selection of suitable initial breeding material for crop improvement. The genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficient between different traits was similar in direction, whereas, in magnitude, genotypic correlation was higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations. Seed yield per plant had signifi cant and positive association with primary and secondary branches per plant. Secondary branches per plant exhibited the higher and positive direct effect on seed yield per plant indicating that selection for this character would lead to increase in the yield. Primary branches per plant contributed indirectly through biological yield per plant. The principal component analysis showed that primary branches per plant, secondary branches per plant and seed yield per plant had the maximum contributions, interpreting almost all the variation of traits. For the development of high yielding linseed varieties, breeding strategies should focus on secondary branches per plant prior to the primary branches per plant.