Abstract

                                Genetic divergence employing Mahalanobis'D2 statistic was worked out in 22 diverse genotypes of wheat based on nine economic traits under barani (non-irrigated) condition. All the genotypes were grouped into seven clusters. Maximum genetic distance was found between clusters IV ad VII followed by that between clusters III and VII and clusters IV and VI, suggesting the presence of wide diversity among these groups. The highly contributing characters were 1000-grain weight, days to maturity and grain yield. Considering higher cluster mean values and genetic distances, the crosses of the genotypes of cluster III and IV with the genotypes of cluster VII and of cluster IV with cluster VI were likely to produce high heterotic desired new recombinants.

Key words : Genetic divergence, D² statistic.