Diversity of flax morphological characters in VIR genetic collection as a result of crop domestication

Background . Almost all described flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) biodiversity is presented in VIR genetic collection(GC). Materials and methods . 316 lines from GC belonging to 5 subspecies (indo-abyssinicum, hindustanicum, eurasiaticum, mediterraneum, transitorium) were characterized by morphological traits (MT), for some of them Mendel’s genetic control was evaluated. Results . MT groups, genotypes typical for each of subspecies are revealed, but appearance of other phenotypes cannot be excluded, because subspecies can differ only in frequency of their occurrence. The genetic analysis was carried out. It expanded the list of MT genes. It was shown that many lines have similar mutations of MT regardless of their origin. Many MT genes are promising or already use in breeding for example YSED1 and ysed (yellow seed), pf-ad (pink flower, yellow seeds), dlb3 (pale blue flower), sfbs1 (white deformed flower). Soon lines carrier s1 gene (anthocyanin biosynthesis inhibitor), will be used because mucilage from seeds s1s1 has special polysaccharide compound and with wf1 (white flower) gene which is linked with early flowering. The linkage between the genes controlling dark blue flower (sfc6, sfc10) and yellow seeds (ysed2) was found, which must be taken into account while breeding for yellow seed. Conclusion . The old landraces of GC can serve as source for any direction of breeding.