Genetic Diversity in Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba L.) For Morphological Characters

Fifty genotypes of cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] were assessed for genetic divergence using Mahalanobis D² technique. Wide range of genetic diversity for all the characters was observed and the genotypes were grouped in six clusters. Maximum intra cluster distance was observed in cluster IV indicating that genotypes under this group were diverse. Based on D² values 50 genotypes were classified into six clusters. Maximum inter cluster distance was between cluster IV and V and intra cluster distance in cluster IV indicating presence of genetic diversity among genotypes and between clusters. Percent contribution towards genetic diversity was highest for plant height (73.39cm) followed by crop duration (13.39 days) and incidence of powdery disease (2.86%). On the basis of inter cluster distance and per cent performance, a hybridization program involving genotypes for specific character may be selected using cluster mean.