Abstract

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is one of the most important highland oil crops of southern Tigray, Ethiopia and it is considered as the least expensive source for oil related home consumptions. The 12 genotypes of linseed including two standard checks were evaluated in the highland and moisture stress area of Southern Tigray under rain fed condition with the objective of evaluating yield and yield components as well as their association. Observations were recorded for different characters, viz., days to maturity, plant height, and number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight and seed yield. Highly statistical significant (P < 0.01) differences were found among the genotypes for days to maturity, plant height and seed size. The standard checks (Bekoji and Kassa -2) were matured late (122 days after emergence) in the growing area as compared with the other genotypes. These genotypes had long plant height (89.4 and 87.3 cm, respectively) and they showed higher significant difference. Genotypes 20-Marc, 8-Marc, 4-Marc, 11-Marc and 31-Marc were matured with in 103, 104, and 105 days in that order and they were earlier as compared to others. Mean seed yield had positive correlation with all yield components except 1000 seed weight. Significantly higher positive significant correlation was observed among days to maturity and plant height (r= 0.73). Plant height also showed positively and significantly correlation with seed weight (0.54). Therefore, strong and positive association between seed yield and some of yield related traits provide the opportunity to improve seed yield and other desirable traits of linseed.

Key words: Correlation, genotype (entry or variety), linseed, yield component.