Analysis of genetic divergence in gladiolus

Mahalanobis D2 analysis was employed to study the genetic diversity of 30 gladiolus genotypes. A wide genetic diversity was observed among the 30 genotypes and the genotypes were grouped into eight clusters. The clustering pattern indicated that the geographic diversity need not necessarily be related to the genetic diversity. This could be evidenced from the study that genotypes from the same eco-geographic region did scatter in eight clusters. Similarly, genotypes from different eco-geographic regions were identified in one cluster. The inter-cluster distance was found maximum between cluster III and VIII followed by VI and VII. The genotypes in these clusters may possibly be utilized for hybridization through suitable breeding system for the successful exploitation of heterosis in gladiolus.