Genetic divergence analysis in double types of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)

Abstract

Genetic divergence of the double type tuberose genotypes based on yield and component characters were estimated using D 2 statistic. Divergence analysis grouped the genotypes into three clusters, respectively. Cluster I had high mean values for flowering duration (22.08) and rachis length (20.36) and low mean values for plant height (32.63), number of leaves per plant (15.00), spike length (22.46), number of florets per spike (27.00) and floret length (4.01). The cluster II possessed high mean values for plant height (43.69), number of leaves per plant (24.73), spike length (126.15), number of florets per spike (35.48), floret length (6.32), weight of florets per spike (0.86), number of spikes per m 2 (1.81), yield of florets per plot (2 x 2 m) (35.28). Yield of florets per plot (2 x 2 m) contributed maximum (35.67 %) towards genetic divergence, followed by weight of florets per spike (24.54 %). Genotypes were much in use having the above mentioned characters in cluster II would offer a good scope for the improvement of this crop through hybridization and rational selection.