Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) has gained significant attention in recent years due to its rich biochemical composition, particularly its omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), lignans, and dietary fiber. These bioactive compounds are associated with various health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential anti-carcinogenic activity. However, the concentration of these compounds can vary significantly across different linseed cultivars, which may be influenced by genetic diversity. This study aimed to investigate the genetic variability among 40 linseed genotypes and examine its relationship with key biochemical traits, specifically ALA, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), and total dietary fiber. The genetic analysis using microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed a high degree of genetic diversity, with heterozygosity values ranging from 0.33 to 0.74. Biochemical analysis demonstrated substantial variation in ALA content (16.2%-58.7%), SDG levels (0.56%-3.12%), and dietary fiber content (24.4%-38.7%) across the genotypes. A significant positive correlation was found between genetic diversity and ALA content (r = 0.82), suggesting that genetic variation plays a crucial role in determining the biochemical composition of linseed. These findings indicate that linseed can be genetically optimized through breeding programs to enhance specific bioactive compounds for therapeutic and functional food applications. This study lays the groundwork for future research focusing on the development of linseed cultivars with tailored biochemical profiles for clinical and nutritional benefits.