D² Analysis in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

Genetic divergence was studied for different yield and its component traits for 51 rice genotypes collected from different eco-geographical regions of India. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Based on genetic distance all the 51 genotypes were grouped under fifteen different clusters. The mode of distribution of genotypes from different eco- regions into various clusters was at random indicating that geographical diversity and genetic diversity were not related. The characters like plant height, panicle length and grain yield per plant contributed maximum towards genetic diversity. The maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between cluster I and XV. Selection of genotypes in these clusters which may serve as potential donors for future hybridization programmes to develop potential recombinants with high yield coupled with desirable traits.