Genetic Divergence Studies among the Progenies of Plus Trees in Bixa Orellana, L

Bixa orellana,L. is one of the important natural colourant and medicinal plant in the world. "Bixin" is a natural seed specific orange-red (carotenoid) pigment widely used in food and cosmetic industries. Were selected from major Annatto growing regions. Substantial variability was recorded in morphological traits of selected plus trees. Significant variations were observed in growth characters of plus tree progenies under nursery. The Genetic divergence study reveals that 34 CPTs were grouped into eleven clusters. Clustering pattern indicated no relationship between the genetic divergence and geographical distribution. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster X and VII. The maximum intra cluster distance was shown by cluster X. Hence, the clusters were genetically divergent from each other. Therefore, hybridization involving trees of clusters X and VII is recommended in order to achieve high yielding genotypes in Bixa orellana. On the basis of high cluster mean and wide genetic distance, the superior plus trees of cluster X (KLBi 1, KLBi 3 and KLBi 5) and cluster VII (KLBi 11 and KABi 6) may be considered as potential parents for further tree improvement programme in Bixa orellana.