Genetic divergence studies in marigold (Tagetes spp.)

Abstract

Genetic divergence was studied among 26 marigold (Tagetes spp.) germplasm using Mahalanobis D2 analysis. The study indicated that the genotypes were grouped into seven divergent clusters. Cluster I had large population containing 10 genotypes. The highest inter cluster D2 value was recorded between cluster III and IV, indicated that cross may be attempted between genotypes of these clusters to obtain new desirable recombinants in marigold. Among all the characters, carotenoid content (62.77%) contributed maximum towards genetic divergence followed by leaf area (6.77%) and number of flowers per plant (5.54%). Cluster IV and VI and V showed higher cluster means for yield and yield components, therefore genotypes viz., Local Selection 15, Sonata Orange and Local Selection 2 of these diverse clusters may be used for further hybridization.