Diversity analysis in marigold genotypes based on morphological traits

The magnitude of genetic divergence estimated for 21 different genotypes of marigold collected from four different states of India showed the presence of wide genetic diversity. Mahalanobis D² analysis divided the genotypes into five different clusters. The clustering pattern revealed that the genetic divergence is independent to the geographical diversity. The maximum number of genotypes was found in cluster I and II, each carries five genotypes among the five clusters identified. The maximum intra-cluster distance was recorded in Cluster II (2.892) followed by Cluster V (2.804) and the lowest intra-cluster distance is found in cluster I (2.106), indicated that genotypes included in this cluster are very diverse and was due to both natural and artificial selection forces among the genotypes. The inter cluster distance was maximum (8.074) between the cluster I and V indicating that genotypes belonging to these groups were genetically most divergent and the genotypes included in these clusters could be used as a parent in hybridization programme to get higher heterotic hybrids. The inter cluster distances were much higher than those of intra-cluster distances, suggesting homogeneous and heterogeneous nature of the germplasm lines within and between the clusters.