Genetic diversity studies in desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.)

In any crop breeding program, selection of parents is important on which all other activities depend. Genetic diversity provides opportunities to researchers to develop varieties which accumulate multiple traits. The present research work on genetic diversity of fifty genotypes of desi cotton, which were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with two replications at Cotton Research Station, Mahboob Baugh, VNMKV, Parbhani during Kharif 2020-21 and observations were recorded on thirteen different traits. The results depicted that ample genetic divergence were present in studied genotypes and the genotypes were divided into nine clusters using Tocher's approach based on D2 value. In this study, Cluster I has reported the maximum (18) number of genotypes followed by Cluster II (11) genotypes, Cluster V (09) genotypes, Cluster III (04) genotypes, Cluster VIII (3) genotypes and Cluster VII (2) genotypes. For most of the traits inter cluster distance was greater than intra cluster distance which indicates sufficient significant genetic divergence were present for studied traits. From this results it can be suggested that, the genotypes which are present in different clusters could be used in hybridization programme to get recombination with desirable attributes to develop climate smart varieties.