Genetic Diversity in Traditional Aromatic Rices of India

Fifty-two traditional aromatic rice genotypes of India were evaluated along with three checks for quantitative characters to study genetic diversity employing D² analysis. Based on D² analysis with respect to grain yield and 14 other related traits, genotypes were classified in to four clusters and four ungrouped genotypes. Genotypes, namely, P 1174-91-4-1-1-1, Lalmati, HUR-BL-6 AR and KLS 27 belonged to four ungrouped clusters V to VIII. Genotype allocated to ungrouped cluster V was earliest for days to 50% flowering and exhibited highest mean performance fertile grain and spikelets per panicle. The genotype KLS 27 (ungrouped cluster VIII) was best for high density grain, grain length and L/B ratio. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between ungrouped clusters VI and VII followed by between clusters III and VIII. Tilak Chandan was promising genotype for high grain weight; Ganga Barud was local cultivar for grain yield per plant (cluster I). The genotypes having higher mean performance for various traits and diversity exhibited by their allocation in distant cluster could be considered for their inclusion in hybridization programmes to obtain desirable segregants.