Genetic Divergence Analysis in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Genetic divergence using D² statistics of 27 genotypes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) of different geographic origins revealed existence of considerable diversity. The genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters. The cluster I was the largest containing 7 genotypes followed by cluster II with 6 genotypes, cluster V with 5 genotypes, cluster III and IV had 4 genotypes each and cluster VI had only 1 genotype. The diversity among the genotypes measured by intercluster distance was adequate for improvement of wheat by hybridization and selection. The genotype included in the diverse clusters can be used as promising parents for hybridization programme for obtaining high heterotic response and thus better sergeants in wheat.