Studies on genetic divergence analysis in rice germplasm (<em>Oryza sativa</em> L.)

Abstract

Genetic diversity among fifty rice germplasm was evaluated analysis of variance revealed the presence of considerable amount of variability among the germplasm. Based on cluster analysis, the germplasm were grouped into five clusters. For quantitative traits the cluster II comprised of 17 making the biggest bunch, subsequently, cluster IV constituted 13, cluster I constituted 9, cluster III constituted 6, and clustered V constituted 5 accessions. This type of pattern of cluster group confirms the continuation of significant number of variability. The maximum inter cluster distance among cluster III and IV and inter cluster distance minimum was recorded among cluster II and IV. Cluster I showed highest mean value for harvest index and grain yield per plant, cluster II for thousand grain weight, cluster III for days to 50% flowering and panicle numbers per plant. Cluster IV contained genotypes for plant height, panicle length of main axis and cluster V contained genotypes for effective tillers per plant, leaf length and width of blade. The germplasm falling in different clusters with high mean for grain yield and other component characters can be utilized for hybridization programme to obtain elite segregants. These traits, hence could be focused for selection while improving grain yield.