Leveraging flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genetic resources for future crop rotations: variation in flowering time, yield components, genetic diversity, and mycorrhizal associations

Characterization of oilseed and fibre flax varieties and accessions obtained from the NordGen collections. The study will investigate variation in flowering time and yield components, genetic diversity, mycorrhizal associations, and the relationships among these traits. Phenotypic observations will be integrated with molecular marker analyses to assess genetic variation, while root samples will be analysed to determine the extent of mycorrhizal colonization. The relationship between mycorrhizal colonization and yield as well as yield components will be evaluated. Genetic markers will be used to investigate associations with flowering traits, including flowering time (earliness) and flowering duration. The varieties and seed accessions best adapted to Finnish growing conditions will be identified, and the results will be published.