Vol. 11, Issue 1 (2022)

Author(s):
Karvar SH, Kadam DJ and Jadhav PS

Abstract:
The experiment was conducted at the field of Agril. Botany Dr. PDKV, Akola (MH) during Kharif-2018 and Kharif-2019and assessed 52diverse genotypes of Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv) for genetic diversity. The data on 12 quantitative traits were recorded to assess the magnitude of genetic divergence for yield and yield contributing traits. In the present investigation, D2 statistic indicated that the genotypes studied were genetically diverse. Based on genetic distances the 52genotypes under study were grouped into five clusters. Cluster I contains highest 36 genotypes, Cluster III and II were the next large clusters which involve 7 and 6 genotypes respectively belonging to diverse origin. Remaining clusters IV and V contained two and one genotype respectively. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster V and III. In overall, D² analysis suggested genotypes belonging to the distinct cluster (V and III) could be used in hybridization programme for enhance the productivity of foxtail millet.