Genetic Divergence for Quantitative Traits in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss)

To breed new and better cultivars than existing ones the breeder requires a comprehensive knowledge on diversity in available germplasm. Therefore, 45 Indian mustard genotypes of different origin from India were evaluated for the extent of diversity for utilization in breeding program. The data recorded on 13 characters were subjected to analysis of variance revealed significant differences. D analysis was conducted to measure the 2 genetic diversity among the genotypes. The 45 genotypes were grouped in 8 clusters using Tocher's method. Intra-cluster distance was maximum for cluster VI followed by cluster III. The maximum inter-cluster distance was found between cluster II and III indicating high genetic divergence among genotypes of these groups. Maximum contribution towards the divergence was accountable to 1000-grain weight (46.87%) followed by seed yield/ plant (20.91%) and number of silique on main raceme (8.38%). The genotypes of cluster II and cluster VIII constitute high cluster mean for different trait along with early maturity. These genotypes may be hybridized in different combinations for selection of transgressive segregants for early maturity and better performance for yield.