Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

Estimation of genetic diversity present in gene pools is an important segment for breeding programs in crops. The present study was carried out to analyse genetic diversity based on morpho-physiological and seed vigour traits using 60 genotypes of bread wheat during Rabi 2016-17. The data were recorded for yield, days to 50% heading, days to anthesis, grain growth rate (at 14, 21, 28 days), plant height, number of effective tillers, flag leaf length, width and area, spike length, spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, 1000 grain weight, harvest index, germination, seed density, seedling length and dry weight, vigour index-I, vigour index-II along with dehydrogenase activity in seeds. Based on the cluster analysis using Ward's Algorithm and Squared Euclidean Distances, genotypes were assigned into 8 clusters. The intra-cluster distance ranged from 4.942 (II) to 7.191 (VIII), and inter-cluster distance ranged from 6.035 (between II and VI) to 9.507 (between III and VIII). These values were higher than any corresponding intra-cluster values. The cluster V was the largest cluster consisting of 12 genotypes followed by cluster VI (10 genotypes), II (8 genotypes), cluster IV (8 genotypes), cluster VII (7 genotypes), cluster I (6 genotypes), cluster III (5 genotypes) and cluster VIII (4 genotypes). Cluster III showed maximum genetic divergence with cluster VIII. The cluster possessing the maximum genetic distance can be used in the hybridization program as it is expected that more heterotic F1 and more promising segregants will be produced in the segregating population. Therefore, more emphasis should be given on cluster III (P-13714, P-13717, P-13710, P-13718, and P-13743) followed by IV for selecting parents from available germplasm clusters to produce new recombinants with desired traits.