Estimates of variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield components in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes

Abstract

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) yield can be increased with knowledge of the relationship among yield components is essential for the formulation of breeding programmes. Sixteen genotypes of linseed were evaluated for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and yield components. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were highest (41.57 and 40.28) for seed yield/acre followed by that for number of capsules/plant (33.75 and 23.11). On the other hand parameters such as plant stand/plot and oil content showed minimal phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation. Estimates of heritability was highest for days to 50% flowering (97.44), days to maturity (98.54) and yield/ acre (93.86) and minimum for plant stand/acre and oil content. Similarly, genetic advance was highest for yield per acre and lowest for oil content percentage. The highest heritability for the traits like days to maturity, days to 50% percent flowering and yield/ acre will give a positive response to the selection. Traits having high h2 and high GA are supposed to be under the control of additive genes; hence, these can be improved by selection based on phenotypic performance. Invariably higher PCV as compared to GCV indicated the role of environment in the expression of the traits.