Cluster VI Research Articles

Genetic Divergence Analysis for Quantitative Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm under Irrigated Conditions

The present study was with the aim of knowing genetic divergence analysis for quantitative traits among the rice genotypes for agronomical and yield traits. The experimental material consists of 36 rice genotypes sown in a Randomized Block Design with three replications and observations recorded on randomly selected five plants for 13 quantitative traits. The results indicated that the genotype Nagarjuna shows greater yield among the genotypes. The genetic parameters show high GCV and PCV in grain yield per plant, and according to D2 analysis, the 36 genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters based on Tocher's method of cluster formation. Cluster I is the largest cluster, consisting of 29 genotypes, while Cluster II has 3 genotypes. Cluster III, IV, V, and VI were the smallest, with only a single genotype. The maximum intra-cluster distance was found in cluster II (39.19), followed by cluster I (30.15), and the maximum inter-cluster distance was shown in between cluster VI and cluster II (178.97), followed by cluster VI and cluster V (151.75). Based on cluster means, Cluster III (39.67) shows greater among 6 clusters for grain yield per plant as contributing the highest among all the quantitative characters. Hence, these traits could be focused on for selection while improving seed yield and seed quality. On the basis of their greater inter-cluster distance, high value of cluster means, and performance of the individual germplasms for the character, the germplasm could be used in improving seed yield and seed quality programs for improvement of different plant characters of the rice.

Unveiling Genetic Diversity in Grain Amaranth through K-Means Clustering and Principal Component Analysis

Grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a highly versatile and nutrient-dense pseudo-cereal that has gained increasing importance in global food systems. Developing diverse varieties and hybrids of grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is essential for harnessing its full potential as a climate-resilient and nutritionally rich crop. Germplasm studies provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic diversity within amaranth, facilitating the breeding of improved cultivars that combine desirable traits such as higher yield, enhanced nutritional content, and increased tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Varietal development and hybridization can optimize characteristics like seed size, growth habit, and adaptability, making amaranth more suitable for a range of agroecological zones. In this direction present study conducted by evaluating 180 grain amaranth germplasm accessions for yield and contributing factors during the summer 2024 at the ICAR-IISS Regional Station in Bengaluru adjacent to NSP. Genetic distances among 180-grain amaranth germplasm accessions were determined using K-means clustering, resulting in 06 distinct groupings. Cluster V comprised of more number of accessions (48) and the least number of accessions in cluster VI (15). As per PCA, eight eigen values explains the total variance; among which PC1 explained maximum variance 82.06% followed by PC2, PC3, PC4, PC5, PC6, PC7 and PC8 explained 8.87%, 5.39%, 1.63%, 1.02%, 0.51%, 0.45% and 0.07 % respectively.

Determination of Genetic Diversity in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Aim: To assess the degree of genetic divergence (D2 statistics) among sesame genotypes with respect to various traits. Study Design: The present experiment evaluated in the Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Experiment was carried out during Rabi, 2023 at Niger Research Station, NAU, Vanarasi. Methodology: To evaluate the genetic diversity among 30 sesame genotypes, Mahalanobis D² Statistics was utilized. The genotypes were classified into six distinct clusters using Tocher’s method, revealing substantial diversity. Results: Cluster I contained the largest 17 genotypes followed by Cluster II with 9 genotypes. Clusters III, IV, V, and VI each included only a single genotype. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between Cluster I and Cluster IV (25.29) followed by Cluster I and Cluster V (24.07). The lowest inter-cluster distance was 10.00 noted between Cluster IV and Cluster V, suggesting that the genotypes within these clusters are closely related. Cluster III was noted for its high mean values in days to 50% flowering (44.67) and days to maturity (94.33), Cluster IV excelled in capsule width (9.32), Cluster V showed superior traits in plant height (128.78), capsule length (3.23), 1000-seed weight (3.92), harvest index (40.06) and seed yield/plant (9.57), while Cluster VI had the highest values for capsules/plant (39.75) and oil content (46.43). The analysis revealed that the greatest contributions to total divergence were made by 1000 seed weight (51.95%), followed by seed yield per plant (16.32%) and oil content (15.17%). In contrast, plant height and capsule length contributed minimum, each with 0.00%. Conclusion: These results indicate that Clusters III and IV, along with V and VI, exhibit the most significant divergence. This diversity highlights the potential for using these clusters as parent genotypes in breeding programs to achieve a wide range of variability and effective selection.

Identification and Functional Characterization of Abiotic Stress Tolerance-Related PLATZ Transcription Factor Family in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

Plant AT-rich sequence and zinc-binding proteins (PLATZs) are a novel category of plant-specific transcription factors involved in growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. However, the PLATZ gene family has not been identified in barley. In this study, a total of 11 HvPLATZs were identified in barley, and they were unevenly distributed on five of the seven chromosomes. The phylogenetic tree, incorporating PLATZs from Arabidopsis, rice, maize, wheat, and barley, could be classified into six clusters, in which HvPLATZs are absent in Cluster VI. HvPLATZs exhibited conserved motif arrangements with a characteristic PLATZ domain. Two segmental duplication events were observed among HvPLATZs. All HvPLATZs were core genes present in 20 genotypes of the barley pan-genome. The HvPLATZ5 coding sequences were conserved among 20 barley genotypes, whereas HvPLATZ4/9/10 exhibited synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); the remaining ones showed nonsynonymous variations. The expression of HvPLATZ2/3/8 was ubiquitous in various tissues, whereas HvPLATZ7 appeared transcriptionally silent; the remaining genes displayed tissue-specific expression. The expression of HvPLATZs was modulated by salt stress, potassium deficiency, and osmotic stress, with response patterns being time-, tissue-, and stress type-dependent. The heterologous expression of HvPLATZ3/5/6/8/9/10/11 in yeast enhanced tolerance to salt and osmotic stress, whereas the expression of HvPLATZ2 compromised tolerance. These results advance our comprehension and facilitate further functional characterization of HvPLATZs.

Identification of Superior Forage Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) Inbred Lines

The experiment was conducted during kharif, (July–November, 2022) at ICAR–Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India. In this experiment, 81 forage pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) lines was evaluated for its genetic diversity and variability. For all variables examined, an analysis of variance revealed a considerable variation between lines. Leaf-to-stem ratio, first-cut and second-cut of green fodder yield, as well as dry fodder yield, all had high PCV and GCV values. For Plant height, Leaf length, Number of leaves tiller-1, Number of tillers plant-1, Stem thickness, and Regeneration ability however, moderate PCV and GCV values have been identified. Plant height, Number of leaves tiller-1, Leaf-to-stem ratio, Green fodder yield in first cut, the Green fodder in second cut, and the yield of dry fodder all showed high heritability and high genetic advance. On the basis of Mahalanobis D2 statistics for clustering, genetic diversity was examined. The Tocher method was used to grouping of genotype lines into 11 clusters. The most lines were found in cluster I (52), followed by cluster VI with 14 lines, cluster III with 6 lines, and cluster IX with 2 lines. Cluster VI has the greatest intra-cluster distance (86.59), followed by clusters I (54.11), III (52.99), and IX (52.30). Between cluster III and IX had observed greater inter-cluster distance of 594.54 followed by cluster III and X (471.67), cluster IX and XI (458.76) and cluster I and IX (410.82). Intercrossing of these clusters lines might be useful to develop better forage pearl millet hybrids.

Genetic Divergence Studies of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (MOL.) STANDL.) in Garo Hills Region of Meghalaya

The present investigation was carried out at Horticultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, North Eastern Hill University, Tura Campus, Chasingre, Meghalaya, India during 2019 in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Genetic divergence was assessed among thirty indegenous genotypes of bottle gourd for thirty-three quantitative characters using Mahalanobis’ D2 statistics. The genotypes were grouped into seven clusters. Maximum number of genotypes including seven genotypes was grouped in cluster IV (GHA-30, GHA-8, GHA-21, GHA-20, GHA-23, GHA-29 and GHA-25). Maximum inter-cluster distance was found between cluster I and cluster III (10.940) and minimum inter-cluster distance was recorded between cluster VII and cluster VI (7.425). Cluster IV showed highest cluster mean for maximum characters namely, number of primary branches (30.83), number of marketable fruit harvest (4.60), fruit width (15.24), fruit weight (3005.65), number of fruits per plant (17.92), total carbohydrate % (2.73), calcium mg/100g (11.95), yield of marketable fruits kg/plant (54.20) and yield t/ha (135.50). Cluster VII exhibited highest mean for five characters namely, vine length (461.93), days to last fruit harvest (158.77), number of leaves (217.13), seed length-breadth ratio (2.41) and ascorbic acid (9.55). Cluster I and Cluster II exhibited highest mean for five characters, sex ratio (0.74), number of seeds per fruit (449.65), 100 seed weight (13.43), total soluble protein % (0.95) and total phenols % (44.04). In the present study it was found that Cluster I (GHA-4, GHA-2, GHA-5 and GHA-1) was highly divergent from all other genotypes.

GENETIC DIVERSITY ANALYSIS IN SOME LOW LAND RICE LANDRACES USING AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS

Forty four landraces of lowland rice were assessed for genetic diversity using D2 statistics based on various grain yielding parameters. Significant variability was found among the traits studied. Eight diverse clusters were made to set them into groups. The pattern of distribution of genotypes from different eco geographic regions into various clusters was at random indicating that geographical diversity and genetic diversity were not related. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and IV (1033.15), followed by clusters II and VIII (935.07). Maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster IV (731.01). Divergence analysis revealed significant variation among the parental lines for all the agro-morphological traits. Cluster analysis showed that superior cultivars like ‘Kanakchur’ from cluster IV; cv. ‘FR13A’, ‘Jaladhi2’, ‘Matla’ and ‘Purni’ from cluster III; cv. ‘Latisail’, ‘Pimpu Dibasa’, ‘Jeeringa Samba’ and ‘Shib Chato’ from cluster II; and cv. ‘ARC11210’, ‘Kumar Gore’, ‘NC678’, ‘Sada Mota’ and ‘Kantaranga’ from cluster VI may be taken in hybridization program, based on the genetic distance, relative contribution of characters towards total divergence and yield potential of genotypes. The characters viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle weight and number of grains panicle-1contributed maximum towards the divergence among genotypes taken for this study. So, allelic diversity among the genotypes and the concerned traits taken for this experiment should be taken into consideration while framing a rice breeding programme.

Genetic Divergence and Cluster Studies for Different Morphological Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.em.Thell)

A field experiment was conducted on 135 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.em.Thell) genotype under timely sown condition, in order to determine the genetic variability and genetic diversity. The experimental findings indicated highly significant differences in genotypes for all 12 morphological traits taken under study. Clustering of genotypes revealed that Cluster VI had highest genotypes followed by cluster VIII, V, II, III. The lowest genotypes were noted in cluster I. The average inter cluster D2 values indicated that the most diverse groups were V and IV followed by cluster IV and I, VI and I. The lowest inter cluster value was found among VIII and V. The genotypes bearing desired values from different clusters can be exploited in future breeding programme for improving the yield and physiological traits. Such differences in genetic component of traits studied can be applied as a new source of variation in other breeding programs and crossing nurseries for wheat improvement.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Greater Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) Collections Using Tuber Morphology and Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) Markers

The diversity of 148 greater yam (Dioscorea alata L.) accessions from the collections of the National Plant Genetics Resources Laboratory (NPGRL), Visayas State University (VSU), and the Institute of Crop Science - University of the Philippines Los Baños (ICROPS-UPLB) was evaluated using 54 Dioscorea-based SSR markers. Out of 54 SSR markers, polymorphic bands were amplified in 50 SSR markers with Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values ranging from 0.65 to 0.89. Subsequent cluster analysis generated nine distinct clusters with a Jaccard’s distance index of 0.85, implying 85% dissimilarity among the greater yam accessions. Each formed cluster from the analysis comprised a varying number of accessions: Cluster I with three, Cluster II with 24, Cluster III with 15, Cluster IV with 31, Cluster V with two, Cluster VI with four, Cluster VII with 11, Cluster VIII with 27, and Cluster IX with 31 accessions. Based on the multiscale bootstrap with 5000 times resampling, the approximately unbiased (AU) p-value > 0.95 was generated at Clusters II, IV, VIII, and IX with a 0.05 level of confidence. Consequently, high dissimilarity rates obtained from the molecular analysis of 148 greater yam accessions revealed high genetic diversity. Thus, eight greater yam accessions comprising PHL 33537, LA 068B, PHL 33550, PHL 31889, LA 110, LA147, TABACO, and LA 597 were potential parents for future breeding programs. Moreover, the information obtained could be essential in various greater yam improvement programs and genetic resource conservation measures.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) in the coastal region of Karaikal, India

Genetic divergence among 25 brinjal genotypes for 13 characters was evaluated in a breeding programme aimed at improving yield potential by using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The genotypes were grouped into six clusters suggesting considerable amount of genetic diversity in the study material. The cluster I had constituted maximum of 17 genotypes followed by cluster II which had three genotypes and cluster IV with two genotypes. The cluster III, cluster V and cluster VI each had one genotype. The intra-cluster D2 value ranged from 0.00 to 61.67 and the inter-cluster D2 value ranged from 89.49 to 343.51. The maximum intra-cluster distance of 61.67 was exhibited by the cluster I followed by cluster IV and cluster III, V, VI. The inter cluster distance was found to be high between cluster II and IV followed by cluster IV and V, cluster II and VI and cluster II and V. The contribution of different characters towards divergence indicated that, fruit yield per plant contributed the maximum percentage of 79.00 towards genetic divergence followed by individual fruit weight (8.00 percent) and number of fruits per cluster (3.00 percent). Thus, it indicated that the genotypes from cluster IV (fruit yield per plant), cluster VI (individual fruit weight) and cluster IV (number of fruits cluster-1) could be selected for crop improvement in brinjal as they recorded higher cluster mean values for traits contributing maximum towards genetic divergence.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

The present study on genetic divergence among 33 genotypes in mungbean was carried out using Mahalanobis D2 statistics for yield and its contributing traits, and a total of six clusters were formed. Cluster VI contains the highest number of genotypes (17), followed by clusters I, II, and V with 7, 4, and 3 genotypes, respectively, and clusters III and VI are monogenotypic. The inter-cluster distance was highest between clusters I and VI (250.89) and lowest between clusters I and III (57.74), whereas the intra-cluster distance was highest in cluster IV (63.97) and lowest for clusters III and VI (0.00), which have only one genotype. Cluster III records the highest mean for seed yield per plant, number of pods per plant, and lowest days to maturity, and Cluster VI also records the second highest mean for seed yield per plant, highest seed germination%, speed of germination, and seed viability. The maximum contribution towards genetic diversity was determined by the number of primary branches per plant (12.12%), followed by the number of secondary branches per plant. Genotypes belonging to clusters III and VI may be taken for a hybridization breeding program. Therefore, from the analysis, it was also concluded that genotypes belonging to different clusters separated by a high statistical distance may be used for developing new recombinants and desired traits.

Genetic Diversity of Rice Genotypes Screened under Normal and Flash Flooded Condition

The present investigation was undertaken to explore the extent of diversity in 30 rice genotypes under normal (E1) and flash flooded conditions (E2) during samba, 2020. Analysis of variance divulged significant variability with respect to all the nine traits viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, 1000 grain weight, grain length, grain breadth and grain yield per plant under study. Mahalanobis D2 values and non- hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis categorized into seven clusters in E1 and three clusters in E2. The maximum intra cluster D2 was obtained in cluster V (80.618) in E1 and III (1626.542) in E2 and farthest inter cluster distance between III and cluster VI (129.797) in E1, cluster II and III (2743.060) in E2. The clusters VI and II exerted superior mean performance in E1 and cluster III and II had in E2. The characters viz., number of grains per panicles, panicle length, number of productive tillers per plant, grain breadth along with grain yield per plant were the major contributors for genetic divergence in E1. In the flash flood tolerance environment E2, the traits of plant height, grain breadth, and grain yield per plant contributed more toward the genetic divergence. Based on genetic diversity and performance of the genotypes Poongar, seeraga samba, CR 1009 sub1 and Swarna sub 1 are the superior parents for flash flood tolerance. Hence, these genotypes could be lucidly utilized for the flash flood genetic improvement program.

Evaluation of Genetic Divergence in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasm

A field experiment was carried out to assess the nature and magnitude of genetic divergence in forty genotypes of desi chickpea using Mahalanobis’s D2 Statistics. High magnitude of heritability (bs) was recorded for plant height, days to 50% flowering, biological yield, harvest index, number of pods per plant, seed yield per plot, 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for seed yield per plant, seed yield per plot, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight, harvest index, biological yield and plant height suggesting that, the role of additive gene effect and possibilities of achieving high genetic progress through selection. The forty chickpea genotypes were grouped into seven clusters suggesting considerable amount of genetic diversity in the material. The cluster III has a total of 10 genotypes, followed by cluster II with nine, cluster VI with seven, cluster IV and V with four, and cluster I and VII with three genotypes, respectively. The intra-cluster D2 value ranged from 148.25 to 491.49 while, inter-cluster D2value ranged from 386.99 to 2141.49. The maximum intra cluster distance was found in cluster I followed by cluster VII and VI, indicating that cross combinations may occur through hybridization between genotypes from the same clusters. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster I and V (2141.49), followed by cluster I and IV (1590.64), cluster II and V (1271.17) and cluster I and VII (1184.91) suggesting that the genetic architecture of the genotypes in one cluster differ entirely from those included in other clusters. These lines may be utilized in further breeding programe for the exploitation of hybrid vigour and suggesting wide diversity between them and crossings between genetically diverse lines will result in heterotic segregants, genotypes in these clusters could be employed as parents in a hybridization program to develop desirable plant types. Among the ten traits studied, maximum contribution was made by harvest index (21.28 %) followed by number of pods per plant (19.36%), biological yield (15.13%), plant height (14.87%), days to 50% flowering (12.18%) and seed yield per plant (8.08%). The genotypes ICC15921, ICC15903, K1058 and ICC15926, ICC15226, ICC7549, ICC15855 were identified as genetically diverse parents, which can be utilized for future crop improvement programe in chickpea. The aforementioned findings show that these genotypes contain the greatest genetic diversity and are useful for creating a large number of segregants through a crossing program.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Aromatic Short Grain Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes using PCA and Cluster Analysis

A population panel of 90 aromatic short grain rice accessions were evaluated for 26 agro-morphological and quality traits using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis for the determination of genetic variation pattern, and identification of the major traits contributing to the diversity. First six principal components (PCs) exhibited Eigenvalue more than one with 74.4 per cent of total variability among the 26 characters. The PC1 showed 24.55% while, PC2, PC3, PC4, PC5 and PC6 exhibited 15.48 %, 11.48 %, 9.96 %, 7.89 % and 5.12 % variability, respectively among the accessions for the traits under study. The results of PCA suggested that characters such as effective tillers per plant, number of spikelets per panicle, number of filled spikelets per panicle, spikelet fertility %, milling %, head rice recovery %, kernel length and kernel length after cooking were the principal discriminatory characteristics of aromatic short grain accessions of rice. Seven divergent clusters were formed by UPGMA clustering method. The pattern of group constellation proved the existence of significant amount of variability. The intra cluster distance ranged from 0.00 (cluster VI) to 6.33 (cluster V). The inter cluster distance was maximum between cluster VI and VII (18.854) and minimum between cluster II and cluster IV (7.673). To realize much variability and high heterotic effect, parents should be selected from two clusters having wider inter-cluster distance. Considering the importance of genetic distance and relative contribution of characters towards total divergence, the present study indicated that parental lines selected from cluster VI (IGSR -3-1-5) for number of spikelets per panicle, number of filled spikelets per panicle, grain length, kernel length and length breadth ratio, and from cluster VII (Khasakani, Kolijoha) for effective tillers per plant, 1000 grain weight, grain yield per plant, harvest index, grain breadth, length breadth ratio after cooking and elongation index could be used in crossing programmes to achieve desired segregants.

Estimate the Genetic Diversity with PCA in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present investigation was carried out on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop during rabi season with the aims of analysis of genetic diversity with the help of principle component analysis. The experimental sample size included 80 genotypes, in an augmented block design with three replications. Observation was based upon twenty-six quantitative characteristics. For all characteristics Cluster I had highest number of genotypes (28) followed by cluster II (5), cluster IV, cluster V and cluster VI had presented (4), cluster VII and VIII (3), cluster III, cluster IX, cluster X, cluster XI and cluster XII (2) whereas cluster had presented one entry in each group. The minimum intra cluster distance (0.00) was found for XIII to XXXI and maximum was found for cluster XII (2.10). The maximum inter-cluster distance was found between cluster XX to XXVII (11.08). The minimum inter- cluster D2 value found in case of cluster IV to XVI and XXX to XXXI (2.12). Cluster XVIII showed earliest mean value for day to 50 per cent flowering (75.24 day) and most important character maximum mean value for yield per plot (536.13). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the five principal components (PC1 to PC5) showed 50.37 per cent of the total variability. The five different groups positive maximum variable loaded component PC I for grain yield per plant (23.2542), PC II flag leave area (19.4005), PC III for peduncle length (23.9893), PC IV grain length /width ratio (21.0627), PC V for physiological maturity (16.7492). As a result of the foregoing data, it is possible to conclude that there is great potential for effective crop modification for improved yield and yield-attributing traits in present wheat germplasm.

Genetic Divergence of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) for Growth and Yield Traits

Genetic divergence among 32 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) accessions of different geographic origins was assessed using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Observations revealed significant genotypic differences, and accordingly, genotypes were classified into six clusters. Cluster I was the largest, with twenty genotypes, followed by the cluster II, which has eight, and clusters III, IV, V, and VI contained only one most divergent genotype. The maximum divergence was observed between clusters II and III (D2 = 47.90), followed by clusters V and VI (D2 = 43.95), and clusters III and VI (D2 = 42.29). Cluster IV had the least inter-cluster distance (D2 = 22.82) with cluster VI. Clusters III, IV, V, and VI had only one genotype each, and hence, the intra-cluster distance was zero. The genotype of cluster V was unique as it had the highest values for fresh and dry root weight per plant, diameter and length of the main root, number of secondary roots per plant, number of berries per plant, and girth of stem with a high seed yield per plant. Cluster VI was desirable in respect of days to 50 per cent flowering and days to root harvest. Cluster II exhibited the highest value for height of plant and branches per plant. Cluster IV had the highest mean values for the number of seeds per berry. Thus, hybridization among these genotypes can generate desirable transgressive segregants. Aim of Studies: To assess the genetic divergen of Withania somnifera. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru from 2020-21 to 2021-22. Methodology: The genetic divergence between the genotypes in the population was estimated using formula D2= p (Yit - Yjt) and genetic divergence among 32 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) accessions of different geographic origins was assessed using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Observations revealed significant genotypic differences, and accordingly. Results: Observations revealed significant genotypic differences, and accordingly, genotypes were classified into six clusters. Cluster I was the largest, with twenty genotypes, followed by the cluster II, which has eight, and clusters III, IV, V, and VI contained only one most divergent genotype. The maximum divergence was observed between clusters II and III (D2 = 47.90), followed by clusters V and VI (D2 = 43.95), and clusters III and VI (D2 = 42.29). Cluster IV had the least inter-cluster distance (D2 = 22.82) with cluster VI. Clusters III, IV, V, and VI had only one genotype each, and hence, the intra-cluster distance was zero. The genotype of cluster V was unique as it had the highest values for fresh and dry root weight per plant, diameter and length of the main root, number of secondary roots per plant, number of berries per plant, and girth of stem with a high seed yield per plant. Cluster VI was desirable in respect of days to 50 per cent flowering and days to root harvest. Cluster II exhibited the highest value for height of plant and branches per plant. Cluster IV had the highest mean values for the number of seeds per berry Conclusion of finding: Significant genetic divergence and complementarity for most features has been shown by the genotypes of clusters II and III and clusters V and VI. This could lead to significant genetic improvement for particular characters and their selection for new varieties.

Studies on Genetic Divergence Analysis in Black Gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) Genotypes

In order to select superior genotypes for the creation of genetic stock for hybridization program or the introduction of a crop variety, plant breeders can assist from genetic diversity both within and between plant species. Mahalanobis D2 Statistics was used to conduct the current study on Genetic Divergence and clustering pattern utilizing twenty eight different genotypes of Black gram. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with three replications at Plant Breeding Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Nine different biometrical characteristics were observed and documented viz., plant height at maturity (PH), pod length (LP), number of branches per plant (NBPP), number of clusters per plant (NCPP), number of pods per cluster (NPPC), number of pods per plant (NPPP), number of seeds per pod (NSPP), 100 seed weight (SW), and seed yield per plant (SY). All of these characters have a significant degree of variability, according to an analysis of variance. Mahalanobis (D2) static revealed considerable genetic diversity among the genotypes. Genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters. Cluster VI was the largest including 11 genotypes. The intra-cluster distance for cluster IV is the maximum and the lowest intra-cluster distance was reported for cluster II. The highest inter-cluster distance was revealed between cluster I and III and then between cluster II and III. This demonstrates unambiguously that the genotypes in this cluster exhibit a wide range of genetic variation and may be useful in a black gramme hybridization scheme to increase production. Between clusters I and II, the minimal inter-cluster distance was discovered. The percentage that each character contributed to the overall divergence was as follows: the number of pods per plant (50.997), the greater seed output (50.997), and the 100 seed weight (29.456). (8.121). It is proposed that crossings between parents from the most divergent clusters should show the highest level of heterosis as well as the greatest degree of genetic architectural variability.

Fueling Success: Unleashing the Power of Motivation, Nurturing Work Environments, and Cultivating Organizational Culture for Peak Job Satisfaction and Performance

This study seeks to assess, analyze, and quantify the influence of Motivation, Work Environment, and Organizational Culture on both Job Satisfaction and Teacher Performance in State Elementary Schools within Cluster VI of Bengkalis District. The research encompasses 119 teachers, representing the entire population, and employs a census technique. The methodology involves descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing, utilizing Path analysis through SPSS 21 and SmartPLS programs. The findings from hypothesis testing reveal a positive and significant correlation between motivation and job satisfaction. However, the impact of work motivation on performance is positive but not statistically significant. Similarly, the positive relationship between Work Environment and Job Satisfaction is identified, but it lacks a significant impact. The positive association between Work Environment and Performance is observed, yet without a significant impact. Organizational Culture demonstrates a positive link with Job Satisfaction, though lacking a significant impact. However, it positively correlates with Performance and has a significant impact. Interestingly, Job Satisfaction is positively related to performance, yet it does not significantly influence the performance of civil servant teachers in SD Cluster I, Bengkalis District.

Genetic diversity studies for yield attributing characters in chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.) germplasm and their clusters

Genetic diversity is a prerequisite for undertaking any crop breeding programe for the development of high yielding crop varieties to enhance the national food production for the food security. Protein is an important component in the human diet, which is obtained for the vegetarian people from the pulses. Chickpea is an important source of protein for the Indian and African population. Therefore, breeding for high yielding chickpea varieties is a continuous process whose success is dependent on the availability of genetic diversity in the chickpea germplasm. In the present studies forty one genotypes of chickpeas were grouped into twelve clusters. The cluster I was with the highest number of genotypes (23) followed by cluster IV (09), II , III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII which had only 1 genotype in each cluster, respectively.The intra cluster distance (D2) ranges from 68.72 to 90.06 while the inter cluster distance (D2) ranges from 49.00 to 1217.31. The maximum inter-cluster distance (D2 = 1217.31) was observed between cluster VI and cluster XII followed by cluster XII and VIII (D2 = 1069.94), cluster VI and cluster X (D2 = 962.24) and cluster V and cluster VI (D2 = 919.90). It was observed that, seed yield per plant (42.20%) contributed highest for divergence followed by plant height (16.83%), 100 seed weight (16.34%), days to maturity (6.83%), number of pods per plant (5.37%), number of primary branches (4.51%), number of secondary branches per plant (3.05%), harvest index (2.20%), number of seeds per pod (2.07%) and days to 50% flowering (0.61%).

Study on genetic diversity in Amaranthus (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.)

Grain amaranth is a protein rich psuedocereal, assumes an important position in terms of quality breeding activities. Systematic characterization, evaluation and utilization of the potential genotype in the crop are prerequisite to any crop improvement. Genetic diversity study was conducted in one hundred fifty genotypes using Mahalanobis D2 Statistics during Kharif 2017 at College of Agriculture Badnapur. Based on D2 values, 150 genotypes were grouped into XII clusters. In the present investigation, the cluster II was with the highest number of genotypes (62) followed by cluster I (33), clusters VI (25), cluster VI (16), IX (3), X (3) and cluster III, V, VII, VIII, XI , XII had single genotype. The intra cluster distance (D) range from 4.74 to 48.64. The maximuminter cluster distance (D= 48.64) was observed between cluster XII and IX cluster, followed by cluster XI and IX (D= 46.25), cluster XI and cluster IV (D= 45.43), cluster IX and cluster VIII (D= 43.92), cluster IX and cluster II (D= 39.03) indicating that the genotypes falling in these clusters were highly divergent from each other implying large amount of diversity within and between groups, which could be exploited in breeding programmes. As crosses between genotypes belonging to the clusters with maximum inter cluster distance, may give high heterotic response resulting in better recombinants.