Combining Ability Analysis in Linseed ( Linum usitatissimum L.)

Abstract

The breeding values of six linseed genotypes viz; LS-1, Chandni, LS-53, LS-62, LS-13 and P-250 were determined in a half diallel experiment using combining ability analysis for seed yield and five components of seed yield. Significant General Combining Ability (GCA) effects and Specific Combining Ability (SCA) effects were noted for all traits. Ls-53, Chandni and LS-1 displayed positive GCA effects for seed yield per plant. LS-53 and Chandni also showed desirable GCA effect for number of branches per plant and number of capsules per plant. Amongst the 15 crosses, 7 (LS-1 x LS-53, Chandni x P-250, Chandni x LS-53, Chandni x LS-62, LS-53 x LS-13, LS-53 x P-250 and LS-53 x LS-62) involving at least one parent with good GCA effect for seed yield per plant and at least one component of yield, are expected to throw higher frequency of desirable segregants to develop high yielding linseed lines.