Genetic diversity analysis of linseed (<i>Linum usitatissimum</i> L.) genotypes using multivariate techniques

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important oilseed and fiber crop valued for its nutritional and industrial uses, yet its narrow genetic base limits breeding progress. The present study evaluated 25 linseed genotypes to assess genetic variability, heritability, and trait associations using multivariate techniques. Eleven quantitative traits, including seed yield, plant height, oil content, and yield components, were recorded and analyzed through ANOVA, genetic parameters, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and hierarchical clustering. Significant genetic variation was observed for all traits, with high heritability and genetic advance estimates for seed yield per plant, 1000-seed weight, and plant height, suggesting strong additive genetic control. PCA identified four principal components explaining 74.84 % of total variation, with seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant, and plant height as the major contributors to divergence. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into five distinct clusters, High-yielding genotypes were identified in Cluster IV, Cluster II included early-flowering and early-maturing types, while high oil content genotypes from Cluster I and V were recorded. These findings highlight the presence of substantial genetic diversity within the studied germplasm and provide valuable insights for selecting parental combinations to enhance yield, adaptability, and early maturity in linseed improvement programs.