Analysis of Genetic Divergence in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill.)

A set of 40 genotypes of soybean collected from different soybean growing states of India for genetic divergence analysis were estimated by using Mahalanobis D² statistics and the results revealed that 40 genotypes were grouped into six clusters. Cluster III, VI, IV and I comprised 12, 8, 5 and 3 genotypes, respectively. Whereas, the cluster II and V had 6 genotypes each. The analysis further indicated that the genotypes of common geographical origin or same location were grouped into different clusters, suggesting a lack of relationship between genetic and geographical diversity. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed for cluster VI followed by III, II, IV, I and V where as the highest inter-cluster distance was obtained between I and IV followed by I and VI hence, the genotypes grouped under these clusters could be used for crossing if yield superior varieties are planned in the hybrid development programme.