Selection Indices in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) suitable for rainfed condition

Abstract

The discriminant-function technique was used to construct selection indices in 20 genotypes of

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) grown under rain-fed condition at Zonal Research Station (Birsa

Agricultural University), Chianki during rabi 2013-14. One hundred twenty seven selection indices

involving seed yield per plant and its six components were constructed using discriminant function

technique. In general, more the number of characters included in a selection index, the better was

its performance. The index based on six characters viz., seed yield per plant, biological yield per

plant, harvest index, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and 1000 seed

weight, which had a genetic advance and relative efficiency of 59.9 g and 1196.20% followed by an

index based on five characters seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, harvest index, number

of capsule per plant and number of seeds per capsule which possessed genetic gain and relative

efficiency of 59.9 g and 1185.12%, and for four characters viz., seed yield per plant, biological yield

per plant, harvest index and number of capsule per plant which consisted genetic gain and relative

efficiency 59.52 and 1147.29% respectively. The use of these indices is advocated for selecting high

yielding genotypes of linseed.