Estimation of Genetic Divergence in Apricot (Prtmus armeniaca L.)

Genetic divergence was assessed in 30 apricot collected from various parts of Kashmir Valley on the basis of eight characters. The genotypes were grouped into four clusters on the basis of relative magnitude of D₂ values using Tochers method. Cluster I was the largest with 22 genotypes followed by cluster II consisting of four genotypes. Inter-cluster D value was maximum between cluster III (1621.03) and cluster II (83.41). Crossing between genotypes having high genetic distance should be used in hybridization. Mean yield/tree, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter and stone weight was found maximum in cluster III.