Studies on Genetic Divergence in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Germplasm

The genetic diversity studies was conducted on 30 genotypes of basil comprising 20 exotic introductions and 10 indigenous collections representing from different phyto-geographical regions The experiments were laid down during kharif season of 2004 and 2005 at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Experimental Station, Issapur, New Delhi. The genetic divergence for sixteen characters using Mahalanobis D² statistical analysis revealed the presence of considerable genetic diversity in the germplasm. These germplasm lines were grouped into seven clusters with variable number of genotypes. The intra-cluster distance ranged from 2.078 to 3.051. The maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster VI and minimum in cluster I. The grouping of genotypes (intra- or inter-) were not consistent over the environments exemplify variations due to phytogeographical regions.