Microsatellite based genotyping and assessment of genetic divergence in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

Nineteen upland cotton genotypes were evaluated for genetic divergence for development of desirable hybrids. Based on twelve phenotypic markers D² analysis identified five clusters containing one to ten genotypes. Prinipal Component Aanalysis reduced the twelve variables into four principal components explaining 82.2% variability that clearly indicated the genotypes, H1236, H1472, CSH 3075, ISR12, H1465 and H1117 were high yielder and H 1236, H 1472, H 1156 and H1476 were having better seed indices traits. Out of 49 SSR primers, 42 were polymorphic and amplified 173 alleles with PIC value ranged from 0 to 0.948. The NTSYS-pc UPGMA analysis clustered into seven distinct groups.