Studying Genetic Diversity in Genotypes of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Using Agro-morphological Traits for Rainfed Conditions

Linseed is one of the oldest plants grown for food, oil and fibre worldwide popularly known as flax. As an oilseed crop, linseed is unique in that it can produce technical-grade vegetable oil and high-quality fiber that are strong and durable. The trial was conducted in the winter cropping season (2022-23) at Tirhut College of Agriculture Dholi, Department of Seed Science and Technology (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University), Pusa, Samastipur in Bihar. Randomized Block Design (RBD) was employed during the study with statistical methods being used to analyze data. The D2 analysis (Mahalanobis' D² statistic) was used to assess genetic divergence among 26 linseed genotypes. Significant genetic diversity was discovered with similar genotypes falling into fifteen clusters. The genetic differentiation of the genotypes was shown to be significant because the degree of variation within clusters was found to be less than that between them. The highest genetic difference among them was observed between IX and III cluster, indicating a high level of genetic divergence between these two clusters. Conversely, inter-cluster distance between IV & I was the smallest meaning close genetic association among their constituents. Capsules number per plant had the highest contribution towards genetic divergence followed by plant height; time to 50% flowering; 1000-seed weight; seed yield; days to maturity; and harvest index when all traits were considered. These discoveries demonstrate one thing: these traits should be considered when selecting superior genes for breeding programs aimed at improving quality and productivity in flax seeds production.