Inter and intra-specific genetic differentiation for agro-economical traits in Plantago germplasm

Abstract

Genetic differentiation and divergence among sixty indigenous and exotic collections comprising three species of isabgol was quantified for fourteen economic traits. Highly significant differences indicated existence of considerable genetic variability, as evident from the tremendous variation in shape and size of inflorescence. Considerable differences in economic traits, growth and other parameters were also noted. The germplasms could be grouped into nine clusters and enormous diversity among accessions were indicated by wide range of D2 values (0.896–41,358.16). The cluster pattern was also confirmed by canonical analysis. Husk yield/plot was the highest contributor (37.79 %), followed by inflorescence husk yield (26.80%), whereas, peduncle length was the least contributor (2.14%) to seed yield. Five accessions each were identified to be the best in seed yield, husk yield, swelling factor and long panicle length. Three accessions can exploited for commercial cultivation to fulfill industrial use/demands.