Genetic Diversity Assessment in Pongamia Pinnata (l.) Pierre and Madhuca Latifolia Roxb.: Oil Yielding Trees of Jharkhand

Twenty-four Pongamia pinnata(Karanj) and twenty-three Madhuca latifolia (Mahua) genotypes collected from 2 different zones of Jharkhand were subjected to Mahalanobis D-square (D ) statistics to elucidate the genetic diversity based on pod/seed traits. P. pinnata and M. latifolia genotypes were grouped into 5 and 8 clusters respectively, indicating wide diversity. The clustering pattern proved that geographical diversity need not necessarily be related to genetic diversity. In P. pinnata, cluster-II had maximum number of genotypes followed by cluster-I and cluster III. Cluster means indicated a wide range of variation for all the pod/seed traits. In M. latifolia the genotypes in cluster VII and IV were most heterogeneous and can be best used for within group hybridization. Cluster means indicated crosses involving under cluster III and I may result in substantial segregates and further selection for overall improvement of species.