Association and variation on boll and seed morphology among hybrids between linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and Linum bienne Mill. and their parents

Abstract

Linseed is the only cultivated species from the genus Linum and selection is the most frequently used method to develop varieties from the crop resulting in the reduction of the genetic diversity. Linum bienne Mill. is genetically more diverse than linseed and produces fertile hybrids with linseed. The author aimed for the development of hybrids with new combinations of genes useful for variety development programme. Morphological characters of parental, F1 and F2 hybrid plants were studied in field and cluster analyses, coefficient of variations (CV) and Nested analysis of variance (NANOVA) were used for the analyses. Cluster analyses from combined quantitative and qualitative characteristics were more powerful in grouping genotype. Selfed F2 hybrids scored the highest CV for all characteristics and seed-weight (20.36%). The degree of boll shattering was different among hybrids. F2 hybrids scored more phenotypic classes from seed coat colour. The differences in seed length and 1000-SW among the groups were significant (P = 0.017 and 0.033, respectively). Except for the differences in seed length, all the mean value differences in quantitative characteristics among subgroups within the group were significant (P < 0.01). The result showed that the hybrids would be important populations to develop varieties for different traits. There was dragging of unwanted parental characters to hybrids due to a linkage. Assisting the process of crossing with markers associated with a trait would help to minimize the dragging of unwanted characters into hybrids.

Variability And Performance Evaluation Of Released Linseed Varieties For Yield And Related Traits In South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

“…On the contrary, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research has released more than 19 improved linseed varieties [7] that, if properly assessed and produced by farmers, have the potential to increase crop output. To identify high-yielding improved linseed varieties and assess genetic variability using landraces and some improved varieties, studies have been conducted in southwestern Ethiopia [3], south Tigray, Ethiopia [8], Bale-Goro, Ethiopia [9], and the south-eastern highlands of Ethiopia [10]. Te highland areas of the South Gondar zone are among the promising linseed producing areas, and this is the area's only major oil crop and is grown using local varieties.…”