A survey of saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) genotype diversity in Kashmir (India)

Two hundred saffron genotypes, collected from saffron growing areas of Kashmir, following Mahalanobis D² analysis revealed high level of diversity. Out of 200 genotypes 171 were grouped in cluster I, 9 in cluster V and 7 in cluster VI whereas the other 13 clusters were monogenotypic. Maximum intracluster distance (6.50) was recorded for cluster V accommodating SH-21, SH-123, SH-200, SH-51, SH-30, SH-81, SH-69, SH-03, SH-98 genotypes collected from Kushbal, Wuyan, Khrew, Kashbal, Wulan nadh, Kruncho, Dusso, Tang and Darbagh. Maximum intercluster distance (18.14) was recorded between cluster XV and XVI showing maximum genetic divergence among the population for SH-67 collected from Chandhara and SH- 89 collected form Khrew area of Kashmir valley. Fresh stamen weight (20.86%) followed by plant height (17.77%), fresh flower weight (15.31%) and pistil length (9.98%) had contributed significantly towards diversity.