Vol. 12, Issue 10 (2023)

The results revealed that the Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was lower than the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all the characters under investigation. Three characters exhibited high GCV and PCV, green weight (g/plant), stick yield recorded moderate GCV and PCV, while four characters viz; days to initiation of flowering, days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), recorded low GCV and PCV.

All heritability values were more than 60% except basal diameter (cm). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed in plant height indicating that most likely heritability is due to additive gene effect and selection may be effective for these characters.

Fiber yield plant-1 showed highly significant positive correlation with days to 50% flowering, plant height, basal diameter, green weight and stick yield indicating that selection for these characters would benefit in improvement of genotypes. Days to initiation of flowering showed highly significant negative relationship with fiber yield plant^-1.

Fifty-two genotypes were grouped into eight clusters. Intra cluster distance was ranged from 1.94 (cluster VI) to 4.23 (cluster VIII). The highest intra cluster distance was observed in cluster VIII (4.23) followed by cluster IV (3.57), cluster V (3.28) and cluster III (3.22). The high intra cluster distance values indicates the existence of variability within the cluster. Hence, there is a scope for exchange of genes among genotypes within these clusters. From the inter cluster D2 values of the eight clusters, it can be seen that the highest divergence occurred between cluster VI and VII so that these clusters would give wider and desirable recombination. The genotypes OIN-211, OIN-202, OIN-210, OIN-203, OIN-209, JRO- 524, JRO-204 should be used in future hybridization program for jute improvement.