Genetic divergence in rape mustard

Nineteen strains of rape mustard (Brassica campestris L.) were grouped into five clusters using D² statistic. Cluster I was the largest, consisting of two-thirds of the total population. Cluster III showed maximum genetic distance from cluster IV, suggesting wide diversity between them. Test weight, days to maturity and seed yield were the highest contributors to D² values. Strains Pusa Bold and Pusa Barani of cluster III and NOT 8503 of cluster IV were found important for varietal improvement programme on the basis of their genetic distances and higher cluster mean values for the aforesaid three characters.