Genetic diversity analysis in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)

Abstract

In plant breeding programme, knowledge on existing genetic diversity in the crop species is crucial. In this study, diversity of the fifty two genotypes of pigeonpea were accessed for 12 characters in randomized block design with two replications during semi rabi-2017 at Regional Research Station, AAU, Anand. Fifty two genotypes were grouped into 8 clusters. More number of genotypes were found in cluster I (16 genotypes), whereas less number of genotypes were in clusters VII and VIII (single genotype). The average intra-cluster distance was maximum in cluster VI (171.02). Clusters V and VII were the farthest (1640.73) from each other, followed by clusters V and VI (1248.98) as they have maximum inter-cluster distance. On the basis of cluster mean values, cluster VII was superior for seed yield per plant, number of pod clusters per plant and pods per plant and cluster VIII was good for 100- seed weight. On the basis of R2 value, the characters, viz., days to maturity, number of pods per plant and number of pod clusters per plant contributed much to the total genetic divergence.