Genetic Divergence and Gene Source Studies in Durum Wheat Genotypes under Early Sown and Moisture Stress Conditions

Studies were conducted on genetic divergence for 16 parameters in 102 varieties of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum Desf.). Analysis of variance showed significant differences among varieties for all the traits studied. Based on the magnitude of divergence value, the varieties were grouped into 16 clusters. Intra-cluster distance was maximum for cluster IV (9.6) followed by cluster XIII (7.8). The maximum inter-cluster distance was 104.0 between cluster VII and XIII, indicating high genetic divergence among varieties of these two groups. Maximum contribution towards the divergence was by carotene content (13.2%) followed by sedimentation value (9.4%), grain yield/plant (8.9%) and plant height (8.0%). Gene sources for higher number of tillers/plant (GW 1209); spike length (MPO 1243); number of grains/spike (HI 8627), carotene content (AKDW 4151); sedimentation value (NP 4); low canopy temperature at all the growth conditions (MACS 2846) and grain yield/plant (HD 4672) were identified for future breeding improvement programme.