Variability, correlation and path-coefficient analysis in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under late sown conditions in the north central plateau zone of Odisha in India

The 140 accessions of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) germplasm including local land races, cross-derivatives and selections were evaluated under late sown conditions to study the extent of genetic variability, the association of yield component characters inter se and with seed yield, and the path coefficient to partition their correlations with seed yield into direct and indirect effects. Observations were recorded for eight quantitative characters, viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of primary branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g). The study through the analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the eight characters. Again, the germplasm exhibited a wide range of variation for all the characters, which provides better chances of selecting the desired traits. The PCV and GCV estimates revealed that the differences in magnitude of both the estimates in case of number of primary branches per plant, number of capsules per plant and seed yield per plant were relatively higher, indicating higher degree of influence of environment. Moderate heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance for 1000-seed weight suggested the predominant role of non-additive gene action. Basing on phenotypic and genotypic correlations of seed yield with other component characters, for improvement of seed yield due importance should be given to days to 50% flowering, number of capsules per plant, 1000-seed weight, plant height, and number of seeds per capsule. High positive direct effects of days to 50% flowering, number of capsules per plant and 1000-seed weight was observed on seed yield both at phenotypic and genotypic levels in a path coefficient analysis. So, under late sown conditions for improvement of seed yield the selection criteria should be more days to 50% flowering and higher number of capsules per plant with moderate 1000-seed weight.