Genetic diversity analysis using Mahalanobis' D2 in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

The present to assess Mahalanobis' D2 statistic to quantify the genetic divergence among 50 distinct mungbean crosses based on 14 yield and yield-contributing traits. The field experiment was carried out at Research farm, Genetics and Plant Breeding, AKS University Satna (M.P). The analysis grouped the genotypes into six distinct clusters, confirming the presence of substantial genetic variability. The analysis of character contribution revealed that the genetic divergence was overwhelmingly driven by specific yield components. Number of Pods per Plant emerged as the paramount factor, single-handedly contributing a commanding to the total variation. This was followed by Number of Clusters per Plant and Biological Yield. These three traits collectively accounted for over of the observed divergence, underscoring their critical importance in genetic selection. Cluster mean analysis identified Cluster 2 as genetically superior, exhibiting the highest mean values for crucial traits like Seed Yield per Plant and Number of Pods per Plant. Crucially, the maximum inter-cluster distance (113.12) was recorded between Cluster 2 and Cluster 4 (characterized by late flowering and heavy seed weight). This high divergence suggests that hybridization utilizing genotypes from these two specific clusters offers the best strategy for maximizing heterosis, releasing genetic variability, and developing high-yielding, genetically distinct varieties in the mungbean breeding program.