Genetic divergence in Himalayan Chenopod

Fifty three genotypes of Himalayan chenopod (Chenopodium album L.) including 3 exotic introductions (C. quinoa) were grouped into eleven dusters following multivariate analysis on a set of ten characters related to yield and its contributing characters. The multivariate analysis studies indicated that geographical isolation might not be the only factor causing genetic diversity. Leaf length, days to maturity, leaves on main shoot and leaf width were the most potnetial traits contributing to the total genetic divergence. Clusters IV, V and VII were important because they comprised genotypes with high grain yield/plant, high inflorescence length, high number of leaves on main shoot, long leaf length and bold grain types. Utilizing genotypes from these dusters, there is a sufficient scope for varietal improvement through hybridization.