Assessment of Genetic Diversity in rabi Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Monech] using D2 Statistics

Author: Lokesh Kumar Verma* , B.D. Biradar and A.K. Meena

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Abstract

Genetic diversity is a necessary part of a successful hybrid breeding programme. One of the reasons why the rabi hybrids programme hasn't had much success is that there hasn't been a systematic assessment of genetic variation before incorporating into a hybrid combination. In the present experiment, 75 sorghum genotypes, including two checks, were evaluated for genetic diversity using twenty quantitative traits. After the D2 and Tochar methods, the studied genotypes were distributed into ten clusters. Cluster Ι to VI had various numbers of genotypes and cluster I was found to be largest with 30 genotypes, whereas the rest of the clusters were solitary. Highest contribution towards genetic divergence was made by panicle weight (19.96%), followed by grain yield per plant (18.56%) and 1000 grain weight (16.65%). The genotypes viz., IS 15170, IS 7987, IS 12735, M35-1 and PKV Kranti were found to be distinct, diverse and also showed good per se performance. These genotypes can be selected

Keywords

Rabi sorghum, D2 statistics, Genetic divergence, Phenotypic traits.

Conclusion

The data on inter cluster distances and per se performances of genotypes were used to select genetically diverse and agronomically superior genotypes. The genotypes, exceptionally good with respect to one or more traits seemed to be desirable. Inter crossing of divergent groups would lead to greater opportunity for crossing over which releases hidden potential variability by disrupting the undesirable linkage (Thoday, 1960). In the present study, the genotypes viz., IS 15170, IS 7987, and IS 12735, M35-1 and PKV Kranti were found to be distinct, diverse and showed good per se performance. The progeny derived from such diverse crosses are expected to have wide spectrum of genetic variability, which provides a greater scope for isolating transgressive segregants in advanced generations. In addition, these genotypes can be potential sources for the diverse alleles of yield, yield component traits and could be further evaluated for their breeding value as parents and could be utilized in s

References

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How to cite this article

Lokesh Kumar Verma, B.D. Biradar and A.K. Meena (2022). Assessment of Genetic Diversity in rabi Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Monech] using D2 Statistics. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(1): 800-803.