Assessment of genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for yield and yield associate traits in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

The present investigation was undertaken with a view to study the magnitude of variation and association for seed yield and to identify promising genotypes. The experimental material comprising of 196 linseed germplasms with 2 checks and the data was recorded on ten morphological traits. The experiment was conducted using randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Sufficient genetic variability was observed for all the characters. High PCV and GCV was observed for % bud fly infestation, sepal thickness, seed yield plant-1 (g) and 1000 seed weight (g). For rest of the traits PCV and GCV was moderate to low. High heritability with high genetic advance was observed for % bud fly infestation. Seed yield plant-1 showed positive and significant correlation with sepal thickness and 1000 seed weight (g) while, days to 50% flowering, number of branches plant-1, total number of capsules plant-1, % bud fly infestation showed negative and non-significant correlation. On the basis of path coefficient analysis, sepal thickness shows highest positive direct effects on seed yield plant-1 (g) at both genotypic and phenotypic level.