Genetic divergence was assessed among 60 rice genotypes from different eco – geographical regions of India using Mahalanobis D2 analysis. The experimental materials were evaluated during 2013-2014 at Plant Breeding Farm, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, India. The 60 rice genotypes were grouped into six clusters. Cluster I was found to be the largest comprising of 50 genotypes followed by cluster II had four genotypes. The clusters IV and V had two genotypes each while cluster III and VI are monogenotypic in nature. The pattern of distribution of genotypes from different eco-geographical regions into various clusters was at random indicating that geographical diversity and genetic diversity were not related. The characters grain yield plant-1, number of grains panicle-1 and plant height contributed maximum towards genetic divergence among the genotypes. Cluster III recorded highest mean value for grain yield plant-1 and lowest mean value for days to first flower. The highest inter-cluster distance (D2 =7925.46) was recorded between clusters III and VI. Selection of genotypes in these clusters which may serve as potential donors for future hybridization programmes to develop potential recombinants with high yield coupled with desirable traits.
Impact Factor
2017: 6.614
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