GENETIC DIVERSITY STUDIES IN DROUGHT RESISTANT CULTURES OF RICE

摘要

Genetic divergence analysis using D2 statistic of 24 genotypes belonging to drought resistant cultures of rice revealed, the existence of considerable diversity among the cultures. The genotypes were grouped into seven clusters. Cluster I was the largest having 12 genotypes and all the other clusters have 2 genotypes each. Highest inter cluster distance was noticed between the clusters V and VII. The biometrical traits viz., yield per plant, 100 grain weight and root volume have contributed much to genetic divergence. Combining parents of Aruvankuruvai and IR 64 of cluster V and Ariyan and Pattambi of cluster VII would expect to result in high heterosis.