The present study entitled “Assessment of genetic diversity using D2 analysis in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] genotypes” was conducted during Kharif-2023 with 40 soybean genotypes including 4 checks viz., RVSM 2011-35, NRC-138, JS 20-34, and RKS-113 in randomized block design (RBD) to assess the nature and extent of genetic diversity in soybean genotypes. Genotypes were grouped into nine distinct non-overlapping clusters using Tocher’s method and observations were recorded for 14 traits that were used in the study. The maximum intra-cluster distance was recorded by cluster VII, followed by cluster IV, while the highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster VII and IX, followed by cluster VI and IX and cluster VII and VIII, indicating wide diversity among the genotypes. Cluster VIII had high values for plant height, number of primary branches per plant and oil content. Cluster IX had high values for number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, biological yield per plant, harvest index (%) and seed yield per plant. Taking into account the intra-cluster distance, inter-cluster distance and cluster means, these genotypes may be used in future breeding programmes to create a broad spectrum of variability for various yield contributing characters, allowing for the development of superior genotypes for multiple characters

D2 analysis, intra-cluster, inter-cluster, diversity and Tocher’s method.

From the results of the present investigation, it can be suggested that genotypes from cluster VII should be selected for developing early maturity varieties of soybean, while genotypes from cluster IX, VIII and III should be selected for selection as parents in hybridization programmes for improving grain yield in soybean and cluster VI should be selected for enhancing nutritional value of soybean. Maximum intra-cluster distances was recorded by cluster VII, followed by cluster IV and cluster I, indicates that there was greater diversity present among these genotypes. Highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster VII and IX, followed by cluster VI and IX, cluster VII and VIII which indicates greater genetic diversity between clusters. Thus, the genotypes of these clusters are employed in hybridization programmes to produce better and more acceptable recombinants, which in turn increase soybean grain production

Govind Tikiani, B.L. Meena, S.C. Sharma, Yamini Tak, L.K. Meena and Kamal Kumar Sharma (2024). Assessment of Genetic Diversity using D2 Analysis in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Genotypes under Humid South Eastern Plain Zone V of Rajasthan. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(6): 131-134.