Genetic Divergence and Hybrid Performance in Cicer Arietinum L.

Utilizing generalized distance and canonical analysis, the divergence in populations of bengal gram, comprising seven widely-grown varieties and all possible crosses between them, has been assessed. Both analyses suggested the existence of considerable genetic diversity. The 28 genotypes fell into as many as 19 clusters, five of the seven parents falling in different clusters. Three canonical vectors needed to be considered to account for around 90% of the variation.

Unexpectedly, there was no correspondence between the divergence of parents as measured by the generalized distance between them and the extent of superiority of F_I over mid-parent. On the other hand, canonical analysis showed that the greater the heterosis the greater the difference between the parents and hybrids in respect of the canonical vectors. Hybrids which do not show substantial heterosis, resembled the parent in respect of the canonical vectors. The two measures of divergence, therefore, gave differing results.