Estimation of genetic diversity in local collections of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Genotypes based on productivity traits

Abstract

A field experiment was undertaken during the year 2017-2018 in kharif season at Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi to study the extent of genetic diversity existing in local cucumber collections. The experiment was laid out in randomized block designs with two replications. A total of 21 local collection of cucumber genotypes were used in the present study. Mahalanobis D2 analysis indicated considerable diversity and 21 genotypes were grouped into six different clusters. The cluster II showed maximum (2242.20) intra cluster distance. Inter cluster distance revealed the maximum divergence between clusters IV and cluster III (D2 = 32489.21) followed by cluster III and cluster II (D2 = 24315.24). Among all the 19 productivity traits studied, flesh thickness, fruit diameter, fruit length and average fruit weight contributed greatly towards divergence. These traits may give more importance in selecting the genotypes the genotype KRCCH-CC-17 in cluster V recorded highest cluster mean. This genotype can be used as a base material for future breeding programme.