Maximum Inter-cluster Distance Research Articles

Estimation of Genetic Diversity Using D\(^2\) and PCA in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The current investigation was carried out on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) during autumn winter season 2021 -2022 with the aims to study the genetic diversity with the help of D2 and principle component analysis. The experimental material for study consisted of 38 genotypes including one check (NDB-2) and laid out in Completely Randomized-Block Design with three replications. Based on D2 the genotypes were grouped into seven different non-overlapping clusters. Cluster I had highest number of genotypes (23) followed by cluster II (10) and cluster III, IV, V, VI and VII (1). The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and VII. Maximum percent contribution in genetic divergence was showed by fruit circumference, TSS, number of primary branches per plant and minimum contribution by fruit yield per plant. Based on the PCA with 13 traits, it formed 6 principal components (PCs) with more than 1 Eigen value apart from PC6 (0.80). These components indicated maximum variation among the variables with a diversity percentage of 79.30 per cent. The first PC showed 23.43 per cent variation, while the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth PCs showed the variation of 16.89 per cent, 14.11 per cent, 10.37 per cent, 8.31 per cent and 6.17, respectively. Therefore, the traits coming under the 6 PCs manifest a high degree of genetic variation and they add up the genetic diversity between the genotypes which could be exploited in crop improvement programmes. Thus, there is a great potential for effective crop modification for improved yield and yield-attributing traits in present brinjal germplasm.

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.

Genetic variability, character association and path analyses effects on fiber yield and yield attributing morpho-agronomic traits of tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)

Jute (Corchorus spp.) is a natural fiber crop having a lower extent of genetic variability due to its self-pollinating nature. The success of any breeding program for variety development primarily depends on the presence of genetic variation in the parental genotypes. A field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design at ManikganjStation of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) during 2019-2020. The genetic divergence of 58 tossa jute (C. olitorius) genotypes including two pre-released standard varieties (O-9897, BJRI Tossa pat 4) and 56 accessions were studied to select genotypes having the most divergence in natural rainy condition. The jute genotypes were categorized into five clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 analysis. Cluster I and IV showed maximum inter-cluster distance (181.44) while the maximum intra-cluster distance (16.15) was recorded in cluster I. Cluster V revealed the highest values for number of nodes, stem mid-diameter, core diameter, green weight with leaves, dry stick weight and dry fiber weight per plant while cluster IV showed higher means for plant height, green bark thickness and leaf area. The highest contribution (47.14%) was wielded by plant height of total deviations. The results recommended that hybridization between genotypes of cluster V, IV and III could provide a wide range of discrepancies in the segregating generation which could offer chance for isolation of good genotypes with high fibre yielding lines.

Assessment of Genetic Divergence for Forage Yield and Biochemical Traits in Sorghum [Sorghum Bicolor L. Moench] Germplasm

The present investigation was carried out with two hundred eighty sorghum germplasm lines in augmented block design at GBPUAT, Pantnagar under normal sown condition during the Kharif season 2018. The observations were recorded on different yield contributing traits such as days to flowering, plant height, number of leaves; stem girthetc., quality traits such as protein content, total soluble solids, in vivo dry matter digestibility etc., and biochemical traits like cellulose content, silica content, and hemicelluloses etc. The statistical analysis for genetic diversity was done using hierarchical cluster analysis. The hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that significant amount of genetic diversity was present in sorghum germplasm with respect to different yield relate traits, quality traits and biochemical traits. The 280 germplasm lines were grouped into XI distinct non-overlapping clusters. The cluster-I (52) consisted of highest number of genotypes whereas lowest numbers of genotypes were exhibited by cluster-XI (1). The highest intra-cluster distance was exhibited by cluster-I (52.381) whereas lowest intra-cluster distance was exhibited by cluster-XI (0.000). The clusters with high intra-cluster distances suggested that genotypes in these clusters were more genetic diverse than the genotypes in other clusters with low intra-cluster distances. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters-IV and XI (346.854) suggested distant relationship between members of these two clusters and upon crossing the members of these two clusters will give more genetic diversity in segregating generation whereas minimum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters-VIII and IX (46.803) suggested a closer relationship between these two clusters and low degree of genetic diversity among the genotypes. Presence of substantial genetic diversity among the genotypes screened in the present study indicated that this material may serve as a good source for selecting the diverse parents for hybridization programme. In order to increase the possibility of isolating good trangressive segregants in the segregating generations it would be logical to attempt crosses between the diverse genotypes belonging to clusters separated by large inter-cluster distances.

Genetic variability, diversity, and character association for dry fruit yield and quality in chili

ABSTRACT Despite the high nutritional value and extensive consumer preference for chili, productivity levels in India are significantly low. An experiment was carried out to study the variability, genetic diversity, and character association in 30 genotypes. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits under study. A high magnitude of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, coupled with heritability and genetic advance, was observed for all the traits, except days to first flowering, days to first fruit set, and days to final harvest. Diversity analysis showed that the maximum intercluster distance was observed between clusters IX and XII. Results of correlation and path coefficient analysis indicated that number of fruits per plants, fruit length, fruit weight, green fruit yield per plant, number of seeds per fruit, days to first flowering, and days to final harvest were positively correlated with dry fruit yield. It is concluded that improvement in fruit yield in chili pepper could be achieved by selecting genotypes from clusters IX and XII as parents for hybridization, and traits as components that have positive effect on yield.

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 Variability for Root and Shoot Morpho-physiological Traits Contributing to Seedling Drought Stress Tolerance in Parental Lines of Pearl Millet

Drought stress severely affects plant growth and development leading to substantial reduction in yield and biomass accumulation. Forty one Pearl millet parental lines were subjected to seedling drought stress and morpho–physiological attributes along with individual drought stress response indices were recorded. Significant genetic variability existed for all the traits and genotype ICMX 1410698-SB-11-1-1-2(B) ranked first based on combined drought stress response index. Principal component analysis indicated that first two PCs explained 86.4% of variation under drought conditions. GCV ranged from 13.84 to 23.47% under drought indicating genetic basis for variability. D2 statistics grouped the genotypes into seven clusters. The maximum inter-cluster distance was reported between the clusters III and VII while clusters III & I ranked second under drought stress. These are potential drought tolerant parental lines for hybrid breeding. Root/Shoot ratio has been the major contributor for genetic divergence under both control and drought stress.

Genetic characterization and diversity analysis of indigenous aromatic rice

Gangetic old alluvial zone in India has conserved many locally adapted aromatic rice landraces. In order to determine the extent of genetic divergence of ten morphological characters, the study was conducted to examine forty-eight aromatic rice genotypes for six Kharif seasons (2016–2021) at the Instructional Farm of Regional Research Station (Old Alluvial Zone), Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Majhian, West Bengal, India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. A considerable degree of variation was noted for all the traits being investigated. It was found that the total number of tillers per plant, panicle numbers per plant, number of grains per panicle, fertility percentage, test weight, and grain length/breadth ratio had significantly positive correlated with seed yield per plant. Based on D2 analysis values, all the genotypes were grouped into six clusters. Cluster III (Tulaipanji, Patnai, Basmati 1121, Jugal, and Bahurupi) and Cluster VI (Kanakchur), containing genotypes were found most divergent with maximum inter-cluster distance (6941.51). According to the cluster means, Cluster II had the largest intra-cluster distance (1937.52), and important attributes including test weight, number of grains per panicle, seed yield per plant, and fertility percentage made remarkably significant contributions to this cluster. In terms of principal component analysis, maximum variability was found in PC1 (23.88 %), with high positive loading values for tillers per plant (0.459), panicle number per plant (0.441), seed yield per plant (0.408), fertility percentage (0.364), test weight (0.264), and grain length/breadth (L/B) ratio (0.263). On the basis of biplot analysis, four genotypes, namely Shakbhati, Sugandhi, Bahurupi and Kanakchur, were identified as the most divergent types for the yield-attributing traits of aromatic rice. The diverse genotypes could be used as potential donors in future breeding programmes.

Diversity studies in Assam rice genotypes for ratooning ability and perennation

AbstractThe objective of the research was to assess diversity among 50 rice genotypes for ratooning and perennation which refers to ability of a plant to regrow from stubble remaining after harvesting. Results showed that 30 genotypes exhibited different degree of ratoon production and ratoon yield. Diversity analysis revealed that all the ratooning genotypes could be assigned to ten clusters. Clusters III (Binadhan-11 and Sayjihari) and VI (IR-64, DRR-44) were the best performing for ratoon yield. Maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between genotypes falling under clusters III and X followed by genotypes under clusters III and II indicating wider genetic diversity between these genotypes. Thus, these genotypes may be useful for future breeding to develop superior varieties with respect to ratooning ability and ratoon yield.

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 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.

Genetic divergence in Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema x grandiflora Tzvelev) based on morphological traits

Genetic diversity of thirty-one genotypes of Chrysanthemum were analysed for various growth and flowering related traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the morphological traits studied. The clustering pattern based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics categorised genotypes into six distinct clusters. The largest cluster i.e. cluster III composed of eleven genotypes followed by cluster II with nine genotypes, cluster I having eight genotypes and cluster IV, V, and VI with one genotype each. The maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between clusters IV and cluster V (376.87) followed by clusters IV and cluster VI (344.96) and, cluster II and cluster IV (196.81). The maximum intra-cluster distance was observed for cluster III (56.57), followed by cluster II (46.87) and cluster I (29.52). Among all the clusters, genotypes in cluster II recorded highest cluster mean values for number of branches per plant (7.15), number of leaves (119.72) and flowers (91.69) per plant. Among nine characters, number of flowers per plant contributed maximum to divergence (32.26%). Therefore, for chrysanthemum improvement, highly diverse genotypes can be used as parents for crossing to generate high variability.

Genetic divergence studies of fodder yield and quality attributing characteristics in promising maize (Zea mays L.)composites

The objective of the current study was to assess the extent of genetic variation among twenty-seven maize varieties using morpho-agronomic data based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and to measure the genetic distance among these genotypes using hierarchical cluster analysis. Twenty-seven composites were grown in a randomised complete block design with three replications for two years. The experimental material was assessed for 15 morpho-agronomic traits. Green fodder yield depends on various other traits such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and fodder quality traits such as crude protein, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre. This study showed a positive correlation of green fodder yield with various such traits. A very high positive correlation was noticed between number of leaves and ear height (0.723) and between crude protein and dry matter digestibility (0.823). However, crude protein showed a significant in vitronegative correlation with acid detergent fibre (-0.739) and neutral detergent fibre (-0.678). Five principal components had more than one eigen value, contributing 75% variability among genotypes. PC contributes 125.1% followed by PC with 19.9%, PC with 12.5%, PC with 9.7% and PC with 7.8%. The scree plot revealed 2345that the experimental material could be divided into five clusters. The genotypes under cluster five could be used to improve green fodder yield. The minimum intra-cluster distance observed for cluster 1 was 48.008, and the maximum inter-cluster distance observed between clusters 2 and 5 was 259.45. The different groups obtained could be useful for deriving the inbred lines with diverse features, which could be used in various maize breeding programmes.

Genetic diversity analysis in soybean (Glycine max L.)

Using Mahalanobis D2 Statistics, genetic diversity research was carried out on 321 different genotypes of Soybean (Glycine max L.) at All India Coordinated Research Project on Soybean, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra. Total 321 genotypes were classified into ten clusters based on D2 values. Cluster II, cluster VII, cluster VI, cluster V and cluster IX had 74, 15, 9, 3 and 2 genotypes, respectively, whereas, cluster I had the maximum genotypes of 214. One genotype was present in clusters III, IV, VIII and X. Cluster VII (1230.69) had the greatest intra-cluster distance, followed by Cluster VI (1104.13), Cluster II (604.39), Cluster I (478.57), Cluster IX (209.08) and Cluster V (96.3). D2 Values across the clusters ranged from 128.81 to 15699.76.The maximum inter-cluster distance was noticed between cluster X and cluster III (15699.76); followed by cluster X and cluster V (15568.61); cluster X and cluster VI (12020.02) and cluster X and cluster I (11083.56). Plant height (37.1%), number of pod clusters/plant (28.83%), total number of pods/plant (21.48%) and number of nods/plant (5.95%) contributed the most to diversity. Genotypes included in Cluster X & Cluster III; Cluster X & Cluster V and Cluster X & Cluster VI were identified for diverse source in the hybridization programme for identification of desirable transgressive segregants for important Agronomic traits in soybean.

Divergence Studies for Early Seedling Vigour Related Traits, Yield and Yield Components in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present study was carried out in the Autumn 2020-21 using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Forty-two different genotypes of rice were evaluated in this investigation. These genotypes were assessed based on 21 quantitative traits, which includes yield and yield related traits and early seedling vigour related traits. The Mahalanobis D2 statistic was used for characterizing the genotypes. Based on the D2 analysis, the 42 rice genotypes were grouped into seven clusters. Among these clusters, cluster I was the largest, consisting of 22 genotypes. Cluster III exhibited the highest intracluster distance (22.04), while the maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters II and III (49.06), followed by clusters III and VII (45.84). These results highlight the significance of the genotypes present in these clusters for harnessing heterosis and exploiting the desirable traits associated with them.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) Genotypes Through D2 Statistics

One hundred and twenty-four diverse genotypes of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were used for assessment of genetic diversity in muskmelon genotypes through Mahalanobis D2 technique in Randomized Complete Block Design with two replications during the summer 2019. D2 analysis indicated wider genetic diversity among 124 genotypes of muskmelon, which were grouped into 14 clusters. In general, intra-cluster distances were lower than inter-cluster distances, indicating that genotypes included within a cluster tended to diverse less from each other. The maximum inter-cluster distance (D = 1086.24) was found between cluster III and XIV. The minimum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster I and II (D = 169.03). The intra-cluster distance (D) ranged from 0.0 (cluster- XIII and XIV) to 337.38 (cluster- XI). The cluster XI showed the highest mean values for most of the morphological parameters desirable for yield. The most productive hybrids and diverse segregating materials might come from high yielding parents with high genetic diversity. Therefore, based upon high yielding genotypes and large inter-cluster distances, crossing of the genotypes belonging to cluster XI and V might be used in hybridization programme to produce derived transgressive segregants for traits of interest to improve muskmelon.

Genetic Diversity Analysis for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

The present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, genetic diversity in 37 finger millet genotypes for 15 quantitative traits during Kharif, 2022 at Field Experimentation Centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agricxulture Technology and Sciences, Uttar Pradesh in Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. The analysis of variance for mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all the 15 quantitative characters. The genotype, IE-184 followed by IE-195, IE-185, IE-191, IE-199, IE-180 exhibited highest grain Yield per Plant, while IE-111, IE-150, IE-169, IE-170, IE-175, IE-168 genotypes are early in maturity. Whereas, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were found high for flag leaf length, number of productive tillers, number of fingers per ear, finger length. High heritability and high Genetic advance were recorded in plant height, flag leaf length, ear width, number of fingers per ear, finger width. Clustering by Tocher’s Method has grouped all 37 genotypes into 6 clusters, in which Cluster-I contains more (16) genotypes and Cluster-IV, Cluster-V, Cluster-VI contains less (1) genotypes. According to Mahalanobis Euclidean Distance (not to scale), the maximum Inter-Cluster distance is recorded between Cluster-I and Cluster-VI (10.52) followed by Cluster-II and Cluster-V (10.44), Cluster-II & Cluster-III (9.35), Cluster-II & Cluster-IV (9.21). Plant height followed by grain yield per plant and days to 50% flowering traits contributes the highest percentage towards the overall divergence among the genotypes. Hence the selection of genotypes based on the above-mentioned characters and Inter Cluster Distance will be useful for crop improvement in Finger Millet.

Genetic divergence analysis for qualitative and quantitative traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

In the present investigation, 60 genotypes of groundnut were grouped into 12 different clusters. D2analysis indicated existence of wider genetic variability in the population of sixty genotypes which were grouped in twelve clusters, based on their inter clusters distance. The maximum inter-cluster distance was found between cluster III and X carrying one and two genotypes from each cluster respectively followed by that between V and X and cluster III and XII. The minimum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster VII and XI. The minimum intra-cluster distance (D) was found in cluster II which includes eight genotypes. Cluster III showed high genetic divergence with cluster X followed by cluster V. Therefore it is advisable to make crossing between the genotypes from cluster I with cluster X, cluster III, cluster V and cluster VIII for the generation of wide spectrum genetic variability and isolation of transgressive segregants for enhancement of pod yield in groundnut.