Divergence analysis for quality traits in some indigenous Basmati rice genotypes

Forty five genotypes of Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) representing different regions of India were studied for genetic diversity on the basis of quality characteristics utilizing Mahalanobis D2 analysis. Based on the genetic distance (D2 values), the rice genotypes were grouped into eight clusters. Of the eight clusters formed, cluster I consisted of maximum 25 genotypes followed by cluster II accommodating five genotypes. The results indicated that there was some degree of similarity of genotypes clubbed together in a cluster on the basis of their origin. The highest genetic divergence was observed between cluster V and VI exhibiting wide diversity between the groups. The maximum intra-cluster divergence was observed for cluster VI and least for cluster VII and VIII. It was observed that all the minimum and maximum cluster mean values were distributed in relatively distant clusters. Among different traits, grain and kernel length, grain breadth and milling recovery had maximum contribution towards total divergence The genotypes from these clusters may be used as potential donors for future hybridizations programme to develop varieties with more grain as well as kernel length.