Genetic Analysis of Seed Yield and Component Traits through Line × Tester Analysis in Linseed
Abstract
Aims: The study aims to identify the best general and specific combiners for seed yield and associated traits, and to determine the nature of gene action governing these traits in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) through a Line × Tester analysis. Study Design: Line × Tester mating design. Place and Duration of Study: Oilseeds Research Station, Latur, under Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, Maharashtra, India, during the 2025–26 rabi season. Methodology: Forty-two F₁ hybrids developed using seven lines and six testers, together with their parents and a standard check, were evaluated for ten quantitative traits. Combining ability analysis was performed to estimate general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and the nature of gene action. Results: Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the experimental genotypes for all ten traits, indicating substantial genetic variability. Significant variation due to lines, testers, and line × tester interactions suggested the involvement of both additive and non-additive gene effects. RLC-206 and NL-421 were identified as good general combiners, whereas SLS-145 was the best general combiner among the testers for seed yield. The crosses RLC-148 × RLC-198, RLC-206 × RLC-213, and RL-18123 × SLS-156 exhibited significant positive SCA effects for seed yield per plant. For all traits, SCA variance exceeded GCA variance, indicating the predominance of non-additive gene action. Conclusion: The superior parents and cross combinations identified in the present investigation represent valuable genetic resources for developing high-yielding linseed cultivars. The predominance of non-additive gene action for all the traits studied suggests that breeding approaches such as heterosis breeding, recurrent selection, or biparental mating followed by selection may be effective for improving seed yield and its component traits in linseed.