Genetic Diversity Analysis for Yield Parameters in Rice (Oryza sativa. L) Genotypes

The present investigation was conducted during Kharif, 2019 at Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur, Nizamabad. Twenty rice genotypes were studied to assess genetic diversity analysis for days to fifty percent flowering, plant height (cm), ear bearing tillers per m2, panicle length (cm), number of filled grains per panicle, test weight (g) and plot yield (kg/ha). Based on the analysis, the genotypes were grouped into four clusters. The maximum number of genotypes (14 genotypes) was grouped in cluster I. Cluster II and III consists of three and two genotypes respectively. Remaining cluster was represented by a single genotype. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between I and II (27.46) followed by between cluster I and IV (23.19) and between cluster II and IV (20.43) indicating wider genetic diversity between genotypes. Hence these lines may be utilized in a further breeding programme for the exploitation of hybrid vigour. Among the seven traits studied, the number of filled grains per panicle contributed maximum divergence (42.68%) followed by days to 50% flowering (32.04%), grain yield per plot (12.01%) and ear bearing tillers per m2 (8.12%). Hence these altogether contribute more than ninety per cent towards total divergence. Therefore, these characters may be given importance during hybridization programme.