Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

A study was conducted to assess variability in 79 genotypes of linseed. Data were recorded on twelve characters. These genotypes showed considerable variability for all the parameters. Wide range of PCV and GCV were observed for number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and seed yield per plant. The heritability estimates ,were ranging between 30.20 per cent (number of seeds per capsule) to 99.7 per cent (days to maturity). The per cent mean genetic advance was high for number of branches per plant, seed yield per plant, days to flowering and number of capsules per plant. Seed yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant and harvest index at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Genotypic correlation coefficients, were higher than corresponding phenotypic one for most of character combinations. Path coefficient analysis revealed that harvest index exhibited highest positive direct effect on seed yield per plant followed by number of branches per plant. Indirect effects’ of number of branches per plant and number of capsules per plant via harvest index was positive, but indirect effect was more than that of the direct effect on seed yield.