Inheritance of gene conferring resistance to wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f sp. lini) disease of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) in North West Himalayas

The genetics of resistance against wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f sp. lini in linseed was studied in F₁, F₂, BC₁ and BC₂ generations of two susceptible varieties T-397 and Chambal, crossed with two resistant varieties HimAlsi-1 and Nagarkot. On the basis of the segregating ratio obtained in F₂ and backcross generations of the two crosses, Nagarkot x Chambal and Nagarkot x T-397, the disease resistance was controlled by two recessive alleles with duplicate gene action in the variety Nagarkot. On contrary in the crosses HimAlsi-1 x T-397 and HimAlsi x Chambal-1, two dominant genes with complimentary gene action confirming wilt resistance in HimAlsi-1. These resistant genotypes may be used as donor for transferring resistance in good cultivars otherwise susceptible to wilt using suitable breeding programme.