Genetic Divergence in Vegetable Mesta
S. Shobha, P.R. Dharmatti
Abstract
The genetic divergence in 26 genotypes of vegetable mesta was assessed utilizing Mahalanobsis D2 statistic. These varieties were grouped into five clusters based on the D2 values. Leaf area was contributed maximum to genetic diversity followed by total green yield, plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight of leaf, petiole length and fresh weight of stem per plant. Cluster I was the largest comprising of 22 genotypes, while cluster II,III,IV and were having solitary ones.The avereage inter cluster D2 values ranged from 59.15 (Cluster I to cluster IV) to 81.62 (Cluster IV to V). The cluster IV (HS-1) and cluster V (GKK) with one genotype each were diverse from the rest of the clusters as evident from their high inter cluster D2 values (81.62). Based on cluster mean analysis it was revealed that genotypes GKK and HS-1 were most divergent and they can be used for further breeding programme.
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