Stability analysis in linseed (Linum usitatissimum) varieties

A study was conducted during winter season (rabi) 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 under different agro climatic conditions to test the stability of improved and high yielding varieties of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.). Analysis of variance on 13 characters was carried out individually as well as pooled over the years and locations. Kanpur location was relatively better for wider range and higher mean for all the characters except 1000-seed weight. Genotype × environment interaction was significant for plant height, number of tillers/plant, number of branches/plant, days to maturity, number of seeds/capsule, 1000-seed weight, harvest index, iodine value along with seed yield/plant. G × E (linear) was also significant for all these 7 traits and early growth vigour indicating substantial amount of predictable G × E interaction. All 10 genotypes tested for 3 stability parameters, viz. mean, bi and S2di. Out of all the genotypes, the genotypes Garima, Neelum, Gaurav, Laxmi 27 and T 397 were identified to be high yielding and stable. Genotypes, viz. Garima, Neelum, Gaurav, Laxmi 27 and T 397 may be included in any breeding programme to develop high yielding stable genotypes over the environments. Direct selection in the segregating generations of such parents for 1000-seed weight, number of tillers per plant along with simultaneous selection for number of branches per plant will be responsive for improvement of seed yield/plant.