Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Yield-contributing Traits in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

The present investigation was conducted to assess the association of seed yield with yield-contributing and quality traits in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) using genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analyses. The experiment was conducted during Rabi 2023–24 at the Oilseed Farm, C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, using 10 linseed genotypes in a randomised block design with three replications. Observations were recorded for 18 morphological, yield-related and biochemical traits. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients were estimated following Al-Jibouri et al. (1958), while path coefficient analysis was performed according to Dewey and Lu (1959). Seed yield per plant exhibited significant positive associations with days to maturity, branches per plant, seeds per capsule, capsule diameter, 1000-seed weight, harvest index and oleic acid at both genotypic and phenotypic levels, whereas days to 50% flowering exhibited a significant negative association at both levels. Genotypic correlation coefficients were generally higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients for several traits, suggesting that environmental factors reduced the expression of traits at the phenotypic level. Among the yield-related traits, 1000-seed weight showed a particularly strong positive association with seed yield, highlighting its importance as a yield-contributing character. Path coefficient analysis revealed positive direct effects of days to maturity, branches per plant, capsule diameter, 1000-seed weight and oil content at the genotypic level, whereas days to maturity, branches per plant, capsule diameter, 1000-seed weight and oil content showed positive direct effects at the phenotypic level. Harvest index showed a negative direct effect at the genotypic level despite its positive correlation with seed yield, indicating substantial indirect effects through other traits. Overall, days to maturity, branches per plant and 1000-seed weight emerged as important selection criteria for improving seed yield, while capsule diameter also showed a favourable direct contribution. These traits may therefore be useful in selection programmes aimed at improving seed yield in linseed under the conditions of the present investigation.