Deciphering genetic diversity and variability in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for sustainable crop improvement

Abstract

This study was conducted at the N.E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India, during the rabi seasons of 2022, to assess genetic divergence and variability. A total of 30 genotypes (27 entries and 3 checks) were evaluated for thirteen traits. Analysis revealed significant contributions of different traits like flag leaf area and spike length to genetic diversity. For all the traits, analysis of variance indicated substantial genetic variability among genotypes. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into 4 clusters for 2020. Among different clusters, Cluster I included the maximum number of genotypes, with 27 genotypes grouped together, followed by Cluster II, Cluster III and Cluster IV that contains single genotype each, respectively. Maximum genetic divergence was observed between Clusters I and III (1842.13). Based on inter-cluster distances, cluster mean values, and per se performance, several promising genotypes were identified for improving yield, such as GW 1339, IC 296729, and HI 1619. WAPD 1519 and GW 527 found to be in different clusters in both the environment hence it validates that the genotypes are highly diverse and can be used as a donor in a hybridization programme. Genotypes that are having the higher mean value as well as lying in different clusters and are superior over the check are also one of the important donors for the yield improvement.