Bioseed Research India (Division of DCM, Shriram Limited), Plot No 234, Block B, Kavuri Hills, Phase II, Madhapur, Hyderabad-500 033, Telangana, India
*Vasantrao Naik College, Aurangabad, 431 003, Maharashtra, India
Genetic divergence among 42 cotton genotypes for whitefly resistance was studied using ward's minimum variance method. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes. The 42 genotypes were grouped into seven clusters. Random distribution of genotypes in to the clusters indicated that there was no relationship between geographical diversity and genetic diversity. Maximum contribution towards genetic divergence was observed by whitefly leaf injury (58.65%) followed by boll weight (34.73%), seed cotton yield (2.21%), number of bolls per plant (1.86%) and plant height (1.05%). Cluster V, VI and VII showed lower whitefly injury, higher number of bolls, boll size, tall plant and seed cotton yield. Therefore genotypes BCT-031, BCT-238, BCT-211, BCT-036, BCT-059, BCT-071, BCT-091 and BCT-110 of these diverse clusters may be used for further hybridization.
Genetic divergence, whitefly injury, boll weight, seed cotton yield
