Genetic Divergence among Advanced Breeding Lines of Medium Duration Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

An investigation was carried out with the 51 genotypes of rice to study the nature and magnitude of genetic divergence using D2 statistics.13 yield traits were recorded on the genotypes raised in the randomized block design with three replications. The 51 genotypes were grouped into eight clusters based on Euclidean cluster analysis with cluster IV, VII, VIII containing the maximum of 9 genotypes. Maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster II indicating greater genetic divergence between the genotypes belong to this cluster. Test weight, Flag leaf width and plant height contributed 52.94 per cent of total divergence. Maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between clusters V and VIII followed by IV and VIII indicating wide genetic diversity and it may be used in rice hybridization programme for improving grain yield.