Estimation of genetic diversity in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes

Genetic divergence of sixty genotypes of upland cotton for 15 characters was estimated using D² statistic. The genotypes were grouped into 11 clusters based on D2 values and PCA identified seven principal components which explained 78.6 per cent of the total variability. Divergence results indicated that geographical diversity is not necessarily associated with the genetic diversity. Multivariate analysis revealed maximum divergence among genotypes HYPS 152, GISV 267, MCU 5, L 389 and TCH 1741 signifying their role in possible exploitation of heterosis.