Genetic divergence in diploid varieties of sugarbeet

Eighteen diploid varieties of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris, L.) were evaluated under subtropical climate of Lucknow. Data on five important economic attributes was recorded to study genetic divergence among these genotypes. Clustering of genotypes was done on the basis of Mahalanobis 0² analysis. This study indicated that genetic divergence and geographical diversity were not related. Contribution of Individual character towards genetic divergence showed that root yield and survival of roots contributed more than 30% towards total divergence. Usefulness of the above information in sugarbeet breeding programme for subtropical India has been described and discussed in this paper.