Multivariate Analysis in Sugarcane

The genetic divergence in sugarcane populations comprising 11 morphologically different varieties (eight lines and three testers) and their 24 F₁ hybrids has been assessed through Mahalanobis D² analysis. The analysis revealed considerable genetic diversity among parents and their effects on the hybrids. The genotypes under study fell into 14 clusters. The clustering pattern indicated no relationship among the parents or their hybrids, and most parents and hybrids are grouped in separate clusters due to more diverse parents and high heterotic effects. Hybrids without substantial heterosis between parents from different cluster may resemble in their genealogy. Thus, the study indicated that selection of parents should be based on genetic divergence along with knowledge of their genealogy for hybridization.