THE STUDY OF THE WORLD COLLECTION OF OIL FLAX AS AN INITIAL MATERIAL FOR BREEDING UNDER THE FOREST-STEPPE OF THE MIDDLE VOLGA CONDITIONS
In the Middle Volga region, the oil flax surpasses oilseed crops, traditional for our region (sunflower, soybean), in early ripeness, due to the high potential yield (2.2–2.6 t / ha) and oil content (42–49 %) the economic efficiency of its cultivation doesn't raise doubts. The areas occupied by the oil flax in the region are increasing and this tendency is predicted to continue in the future. In this connection, there is a need to create new competitive varieties of flax oil resistant to the abiotic and biotic factors of the external environment with a high level of productivity and quality of flax. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the new gene pool of flax oil under the forest–steppe of the Middle Volga region conditions based on morphological, biological, economic–valuable features and identification of promising samples as initial material for practical breeding. Researches were conducted on the basis of FGBNU «Volga NIISS» in 2014–2016. Object of studying were 57 varieties and samples of flax of various ecological and geographical origin, obtained from the world collection of N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR). Based on comprehensive study of the initial material, groups of varieties having economically valuable characteristics were identified in the collection nursery. Early ripening group of 16 varieties (vegetation period is 63–73 days), late–ripening group (vegetation period is 81–85 days) – 2 samples. Groups with high seed productivity – 9 samples, 1000 seed weight more than 8.0 g – 3 samples, high number of productive boxes on the plant – 4 samples, number of seeds per box (7.7–8.7 pieces) – 22 samples. A group of undersized plants – 16 samples, tall samples (above standard by 5–26 cm) – 7 pieces. The allocated groups of collection varieties have valuable characteristics and are recommended for use in breeding programs when creating early and mid–ripening varieties of oil flax the most adapted to climatic conditions of the Middle Volga region, characterized by high yields.