Estimation of genetic parameters to formulate selection strategy for increased yield in linseed.

Abstract

Genotypic differences among the genotypes in three seasons were statistically significant for plant height, number bolls plant -1 , 1000-seed weight and seed yield hectare -1 . These studies were conducted at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan during rabi 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05. Pooled genotypic and phenotypic variances were maximum for seed yield and mini- mum for 1000-seed weight. Genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic co- efficient of variation were observed maximum for seed yield and minimum for plant height. Broad sense heritability estimates were high for all the traits during three years ranging from 63% for plant height and 97% for seed yield. High herita- bility pooled estimates of 89% for 1000-seed weight and seed yield ha -1 coupled with corresponding high estimates of genetic advance in percent of mean (17.23 and 18.33) for these traits indicated the predominance of additive gene effects. Mass selection based on these additively controlled traits is suggested for im- provement of yield. Plant height, number of bolls plant -1 and 1000-seed weight showed genetic advance of 7.96, 8.85 and 17.23 % respectively with the prospects of improving seed yield up to the level of 18.33 %.