Genetic divergence for thermotolerance based on physiological parameters during germination in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.)

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to analyse the genetic divergence of 35 genotypes of Indian mustard based on physiological parameters during germination for thermotolerance. Mahalanobis D2 -statistic helped in grouping 35 genotypes of Indian mustard into six clusters. Cluster I comprising of 16 genotypes. Whereas clusters III, IV and V were comprised of one genotypes in each only. On the basis inter-cluster distances, contribution towards total divergence, inter-cluster distance and cluster mean performance, clusters IV; V; VI; III and II genotypes viz. Pusa Mahak, RAURD-78, NRC-DR-2, Varuna, RH-30, PM-25, TPM-1 and NDRE-7 were most promising divergent genotypes of Indian mustard and could be effectively utilized in hybridization –selection breeding programme to develop thermotolerant Indian mustard. The use of diverse genotypes included in these clusters were suggested to give better heterosis and higher variability in the segregating generations.