Genetic divergence among Ethiopian linseed (Linumusitatissimum L ) genotypes

Abstract

Knowledge of genetic divergence of traits in any crop population is important for the continued improvement of the crop as well as for its development in the agricultural system. The study was designed to assess genetic diversity of traits in linseed (Linumusitatissimum L) genotypes evaluated at Ambo University Gudar campus during 2019 cropping season. The experiment was conducted using simple lattice design with two replications consisted fifty six genotypes. Using Euclidean distance value (D2) the studied genotypes were grouped into seven different clusters. Among the clusters cluster III and IV consisted largest number of genotypes while cluster VI and VII consisted small number of genotypes. Maximum inter cluster genetic divergence (D=71.64) was revealed between cluster II and VI, while minimum genetic divergence (D=19.74) was manifested between cluster V and VI. Whereas maximum (11.85) intra clusters distance was manifested for cluster V, while minimum (7.14) intra cluster was revealed for cluster VII. Genotypes in cluster II revealed highest mean value for seed yield per hectare. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first four principal components accounted for 75.96 of the total variation, of which nearly 53.08 % was contributed by the first two principal components (PCA1 and PCA2). Therefore the result of this study suggests existence of genetic divergence for seed yield and other agronomic traits in the studied linseed genotype, which should be exploited in linseed breeding program.