Genetic divergence based on non-hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis in potato germplasm

Three hundred accessions of andigena group of potato germplasm were evaluated for genetic divergence based on 8 distinct traits, namely plant height, number of stems, number of nodes, internode length, leaflet index, tuber yield, tuber number and average tuber weight. The evaluation was done in augmented block design with 7 blocks and 3 intermittent controls. Principal component analysis based on adjusted mean values yielded 8 each eigen vectors and eigen roots. The first 6 principal components accounted for 98.14% of the variation. Based on these principal components, non-hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis grouped 300 accessions into 6 distinct clusters. Cluster II and V were farthest from each other followed by I and II. Nine genetically diverse and agronomically promising genetic stocks were identified which may be involved in crossing programme.