Molecular-genetic strategies for the improvement of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) varieties in Uzbekistan and their prospects for application in breeding

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is one of the oldest and most versatile crops, valued for its high-quality fiber and oil-rich seeds, and plays an important role in Uzbekistan’s agricultural diversification strategy. In Central Asia, particularly in the saline-prone regions of Uzbekistan and the Aral Sea basin, soil salinization has become a major constraint to sustainable flax production, highlighting the need for salt-tolerant and high-quality varieties. The development of superior flax genotypes in Uzbekistan requires integrating molecular-genetic approaches into conventional breeding methods. The characterization of germplasm resources, assessment of genetic diversity, and identification of favorable alleles are essential for breeding flax adapted to saline environments. Recent studies have identified the key cellulose synthase (CesA) genes associated with fiber quality and mechanical strength, as well as molecular markers (SSRs and SNPs) linked to oil content and stress tolerance. Strengthening field, greenhouse, and laboratory capacities for trait screening, combined with marker-assisted selection, genomic tools, and high-throughput phenotyping, can significantly accelerate the development of high-yielding, salt-tolerant, and quality-improved flax varieties. Integrating molecular data with field performance under the agroclimatic conditions of Central Asia and the Aral Sea region will support the creation of flax genotypes with enhanced productivity and industrial value.

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