Genetic Divergence in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Thirty-nine genotypes of sunflower were evaluated for their genetic divergence by D2 analysis for a set of 14 divergent characters. The D2 analysis revealed that genotypes exhibited considerable diversity and were grouped into nine clusters. Twenty-seven genotypes representing different eco-geographical regions were grouped into cluster 1 indicating that genetic divergence and geographical divergence were not related. The characters, oil content, total number of seeds/head and total dry matter/plant, contributed maximum towards genetic divergence in D2 analysis. Based on Tocher's clustering pattern the genotypes with accession numbers 1144, 780, 1164, 1217 and 1220 were suggested for inclusion into hybridization for obtaining desirable recombinants.