Genetic diversity for yield and some quality traits in a large collection of wheat germplasm

The present investigation was conducted to estimate the extent of genetic divergence among wheat accessions through hierarchical cluster analysis to formulate genetically diverse groups to facilitate choice of parents for hybridization. Based on adjusted mean of the accessions for yield per se the two hundred ninety five germplasm accessions surpassing lowest check yield were selected and analyzed for genetic diversity in an augmented block design under timely sown and late sown irrigated conditions. Divergence analysis was carried out using hierarchical cluster analysis method based on Euclidean distance. The 400 germplasm accessions were screened for cluster analysis on the basis of lowest check yield. The selected 299 germplasm accessions (including checks) were grouped into 4, 3, 5 and 6 clusters. The pattern of distribution of these accessions in various clusters showed that there was considerable genetic diversity in the germplasm. Based on genetic diversity, IC397955, IC416050, IC416010, IC393124, IC416005, IC372646, IC396579, IC279320, IC321906 and IC396579 accessions were screened as donors for more tillers per meter. Further, with respect to high grain yield per plot IC415945, IC416055, IC415979, IC397821, IC416129, IC416062, IC415995 IC398144, IC416197 and IC415979 accessions were identified as donor parent for future breeding programme.