Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Perennial Flax Trifecta and the Global Linum Germplasm

Abstract

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is the most cultivated Linum species amongst the ~300 species in the genus. Other perennial species (L. lewisii, L. austriacum, L. perenne) show potential as alternatives to annual flax, containing a similar oil profile, while also providing ecosystem services and unique ornamental qualities. It is important to understand the genetic variation available in any collection to understand the relationship amongst accessions, but also so accessions can be best utilized within a breeding program. The research objectives were to analyze the genetic structure of the trifecta perennial flax species, Linum austriacum, L. lewisii, L. perenne, using single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers for species differentiation and to discover potential centers of origin and/or diversity within each taxa, and to analyze the genetic structure and variability of the USDA-GRIN germplasm collection, using single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers for differentiation of species of the same native range and of individual species.These findings will aid in the development of perennial flax as a new specialty crop in Minnesota, guiding future breeding decisions, and in the identification of GRIN collection accessions.