GENETIC ANALYSIS FOR SEED YIELD AND OTHER TRAITS WITH MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION FOR DISEASE RESISTANCE IN FLAX Linum usitatissimum L

Abstract

newline ABSTRACT newlineThe choice of an efficient breeding methodology depends to a large extent on the knowledge of the genetic systems controlling the character to be selected .The objectives of this study were to determine nature of gene action for seed yield, fibre and quality traits,to study the inheritance of diseases and to identify markers linked to the disease(s) in flax. The research was carried out in the Department of Crop Improvement, CSK HPKV, Palampur and Research Stations Kangra and Kukumseri during the years 2007- 08 to 2010- 11 using generation means analysis derived from crosses of TL-11 x Him Alsi-2, Turkey x Binwa and TL-43 x Binwa to transfer disease resistance and quality traits from exotic varieties to the released varieties. Molecular studies were carried out through RAPD to identify molecular markers linked to the wilt resistance. newline The results obtained in the present investigation with respect to generation mean analysis suggested that both additive and dominance effects were important for most of the traits but dominance was predominant as compared to additive effects. Duplicate type of gene action was observed in the expression of days to 50 per cent flowering ,seed yield/plant, plant height, technical height and fibre traits at Kangra location for TL-11 x Him Alsi-2, these observation implies the use of biparental approach and selection to be delayed to later generation. Complimentary type of gene action was seen for biological yield/plant, seed yield/plant for TL-11 x Him Alsi-2 at Palampur location and implies the use of biparental approach and early generation selection to be followed. newlineCrosses with significant heterosis also showed significant inbreeding depression in F2. A monogenic type of gene action was recorded for the resistance to linseed rust (Melampsora lini) and wilt (Fusarium oxysporium).High fatty acid was found in all the three cross combinations. Studies carried by RAPD for marker identification suggested that the primers were not sufficient for distinguishing bands among the bulks. Hence more number of primers is suggested for this study in future breeding programms. newlineThe outcome of the present endeavour suggests the different breeding strategy for crosswise as well as location wise because gene action was different in two locations i.e Palampur and Kangra and three crosses viz., TL-11 x Him Alsi-2,Turkey x Binwa and TL-43 x Binwa. TL-11 x Him Alsi-2 was the best cross because of high yield, quality and disease resistance among the three crosses studied and thus could be utilized in future breeding programme. newline