Genetic Divergence in Some Indigenous and Exotic Germplasm Lines of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Under Rainfed Conditions

Genetic divergences of 64 genotypes of castor (Ricinus communis L.) for nine characters were studied and genotypes were grouped in to 9 clusters. Grouping of genotypes in to different cluster was not related to their geographic origin. The genotypes from different geographic locations were grouped in to one cluster while genotypes of the same geographic origin showed genetic diversity. The cluster mean for different traits indicated considerable differences between the clusters for all traits. The genotypes of cluster I were highly divergent to those of cluster IX indicating the scope of generating heterotic hybrids through involving VP-1 pistillate line. The diversity among the genotypes, measured by intercluster distance was adequate for improvement by hybridization and selection. The maximum genetic divergence showed in Cluster VIII and IX for hybridization programme would help in achieving novel recombinants.