Multivariate Analysis as Aid to Genotype Selection for Breeding In Niger [Guizotia Abyssinica Cass].

In order to access the genetic divergence among 67 genotypes of niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass], the multivariate analysis of divergence was carried out using Mahalanobis D² statistics. The analysis revealed significant differences among genotypes for all characters studied. These genotypes were grouped into fifteen clusters. Cluster - V was the largest containing twenty genotypes followed by cluster -I with eleven genotypes, clusters - II & IV with nine genotypes each and cluster - III with six genotypes. The remaining clusters viz., clusters - VI to XV had only one or two genotypes. The clustering pattern indicated the absence of relationship between genetic diversity and geographical origin of genotypes. Based on inter cluster distance and per se performance of genotypes, IGPN - 9610, IGPN - 9613, IGPN - 9628, JNC -15, JNS— 25, BNC—120, DHL - 1 and NRS - 2000 - 6 were distinct and diverse and can be classified as promising genotypes. Intercrossing among them would lead to genetic base in the base population and opportunities for obtaining the high heterotic effects and also to recover desirable trans-gressive segregants and wide spectrum of variability in subsequent generations. Seeds/capsule contributed maximum divergence of 31.57%, which was followed by seed yield (20.27%), days to maturity (20.05%) and capsule/plant (14.50%)