Genetic Diversity for Some Quantitative Characters in Barley

Genetic divergence was assessed in 26 varieties of barley using D²-statistic for seven characters related to yield. The population was grouped into 7 clusters. Clusters III, II and I were large and consisting more than two third of the total population. The geographical diversity was not related to genetic diversity. 1000-grain weight, plant height and tillers per plant were mainly responsible for genetic divergence. Clusters with small statistical distances were considered less diverse than those with large distances. Only genetically diverse lines with specific characters of interest and having high yield potential should be inter crossed. ‘RD-185’, ‘C-251’, ‘DL-220’, and ‘K125’ belonging to cluster numbers VII, VI, IV and II respectively were found genetically diverse and also of high yield potential.