Assessment of variability and genetic diversity among different rice varieties for qualitative traits

The assessment of genetic diversity among the eighteen rice varieties cultivated in Bihar India was done using numerical taxonomic approach based on fourteen qualitative traits. Eighteen varieties were grouped into seven different clusters revealing sufficient amount of variability among the varieties. The clustering pattern revealed non-correspondence of geographic diversity with genetic divergence. Richharia with Rajshree and Gautam with Rajendra Mahsuri was found more suitable parents for quality improvement. The wide genetic variation is present among the rice varieties grown in Bihar and they have potential for future breeding programme.