The potential of selected Linum usitatissimum crosses for producing recombinant inbred lines with dual-purpose characteristics

The success of Linum usilatissimum as a commercial crop depends on its valu e for seed/oil (linseed) and/or fibre/straw production (flax). In the prese nt study we evaluated nine linseed x linseed and two linseed x flax crosses for their potential to produce recombinant inbred lines (RILs) that give h igher yields for dual-purpose (high seed-high fibre) traits. Analysis of th e early generations indicated that while all crosses segregated for seed we ight, straw weight, capsule weight and total plant weight, some crosses lac ked the necessary genetic diversity to produce superior RILs. The performan ce of F-3 families supported this conclusion as only two crosses were ident ified which had adequate potential to produce improved RILs with high seed and straw/fibre yields. The four most heterotic crosses identified in a pre vious experiment showed little potential for transgressive recombinants, al though the best of these RILs would make better dual-purpose varieties comp ared to existing cultivars. Genotypic correlations were generally positive and should increase the chances of extracting RILs producing both high seed /oil and straw/fibre yields.