Genetic diversity and variability analysis in oat (Avena sativa L.)

Genetic diversity, variability and clustering pattern were studied in seventy five germplasm lines of oat for yield and contributing traits using D² analysis. Clustering pattern grouped the germplasm lines into nine different clusters. Cluster IV consisted of 21 lines, cluster I & II had 20 lines each, cluster V had 9 lines. Highest intra cluster distance was observed for cluster IV followed by cluster II, I and V. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster VI & IX, followed by cluster IV & IX, cluster III & IX suggesting diversity among lines of these clusters. Cluster IV is characterized by lines having prominent traits like high green fodder yield, high grain yield, and tall plants, long and broad leaves. Contribution towards genetic divergence was more from days to 50% flowering, grain yield, leaf-stem ratio and green fodder yield, so the direct selection for these traits would be helpful.