Journal of Ornamental Horticulture

Genetic diversity of 22 genotypes of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) were analysed for various growth and flowering related traits. The clustering pattern based on Mahalanobis D² statistic indicated the existence of wide genetic divergence among genotypes for various quantitative traits studied and categorised genotypes into seven distinct clusters. The largest cluster i.e. cluster I composed of six genotypes followed by cluster V having four genotypes whereas only one genotype was included in cluster III. The cluster means is of prime importance as it exhibited the best cluster for various growth and flowering traits depending upon the aim of breeding. Hence potential genotypes for particular trait of interest can be selected among the different clusters and can further be utilized in crop improvement programme. The highest inter cluster distance was observed between VII and III (8.98) whereas the lowest was found between V and I (3.10). Cluster II recorded the maximum intra cluster distance (2.74) whereas the minimum intra cluster distance (0.01) was observed in cluster III. The genetic diversity observed within and between the clusters can be utilized in selection of genetically diverse genotypes which is important for exploitation of heterosis and development of desirable recombinants.