Combining ability analysis for seed yield and its components in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under late sown conditions in the north central plateau zone of Odisha in India

The experiment comprised of five lines, three testers and their 15 F1s. They were grown in randomized complete block design under late sown conditions. The line x tester analysis of Kempthorne (1957) was carried out to estimate general combining ability (gca) and specific combining ability (sca) effects. The line ‘OL 22-1’ and tester ‘OLC 10’ recorded significantly positive gca effects for both number of capsules per plant and 1000-seed weight. They excelled others and may be involved in a crossing programme resulting in identification of superior genotypes with higher capsule number with moderate 1000-seed weight leading to higher seed yield. The crosses ‘OL 2-3 x Padmini’ and ‘OL 4-1 x OLC 10’ recorded significantly positive sca effects for capsule number, 1000-seed weight and seed yield. They may be exploited in heterosis breeding.