Interspecific Crossability Study to Determine Combining Ability in Perennial Flax

Abstract

Interest in perennial flax (genus Linum) breeding has surged recently due to the health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids found in flax oil and the variety of ecosystem services perennial flax can provide (Forever Green, 2021). At least three perennial flax species are being used in the University of Minnesota breeding program, L. austriacum, L. Lewisii, and L. perenne. Barriers to intra- and inter-specific flax crossing have arisen, impeding the efficiency and success of these breeding programs (Murray 1986). In this study, five genotypes in the breeding program were crossed to determine their combining ability and to examine any correlation between the style and anther lengths of the parents and the success of the cross. Pollen sustainability of these plants was also examined to assess male fertility. Pollen for all of the genotypes was found to be viable, with pollen sustainability greater than 60%. The most successful crosses had the style of the female parent and the anther of the male parent close in length. These lengths were less indicative of the success of the cross when the differences became statistically different. This relationship can inform the choice of parent plants to aid in future breeding.