Exploiting Genetic Divergence for Crop Improvement in Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): A Neglected and Underutilized Crop

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cultivars suitable for rainfed farming situation are needed for sustainable production. Understanding the genetic divergence of the crop facilitates the manipulation of desired traits through plant breeding. One hundred and eighty three germplasm lines of coriander of diverse geographical origin were screened under rainfed conditions to determine genetic divergence following multivariate and canonical analysis. Thirteen traits including grain yield were considered for studying the divergence. Utilizing cluster analysis, the germplasm were grouped into eight clusters. The four PCA components explained 77.8% of the total variability among thirteen quantitative traits. Some 84% of the total genotypes (154/183) were grouped in two clusters (1 and 8). Remaining clusters (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) contained 16% genotypes (29/183) representing wide diversity. The genotypes of similarity were identified. Apparent diversity was noticed in 69 genotypes which diverged in seven clusters. The cluster association revealed the relationship between genetic divergence and geographical diversity. Genotypes of clusters 2, 4 and 7 can be utilized for improving yield due to its high mean performance for grain yield/plant with good amount of genetic divergence in most of the yield contributing characters. The high inter-cluster distances and the high mean performance of the clusters 2, 4 and 7 suggest that successful recombinants for high grain yield may be obtained from the crosses among the genotypes from these clusters. Similarly, members of cluster 3 can be utilized for improving the essential oil content. For breeding bolder types, genotypes from clusters 6 and 7 can be utilized. Rational strategies for effective utilization of germplasm for crop improvement are also discussed.