Genetic divergence in mulberry germplasm

The analysis of variance for nine characters of 124 accessions of mulberry (Morus L.) germplasm indicated the significant differences due to genotypes, seasons and their interactions. The heritability coefficients for fresh weight of leaves, internode length and plant height were high (> 0.7). The 124 accessions were grouped into 11 clusters, indicating the existence of considerable diversity. Maximum number of genotypes were included in cluster I (114) and other clusters contained one genotype each. The genetic diversity and geographical distribution were not related. Fresh weight of leaves, plant height, lamina-petiole ratio by weight and internode length were the most potential characters contributing to the total genetic divergence. Intra-cluster D² values were 0–4.95 and inter-cluster 2.963–17.24. The cluster IX and cluster XI were highly divergent. Highest mean performance was observed for. more number of characters in cluster XI, followed by cluster IV. The inter-cluster divergence was also more between these two clusters (14.341) and accessions from these clusters can be used as promising parents, for varietal improvement through hybridization.