Abstract

                                Mahalanobis D Statistic was used to estimate the genetic diversity among 50 types of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.). The types grouped themselves into as many as 15 clusters indicating wide genetic variability among them. Geographic distribution was not related to genetic diversity pointing to the availability of wide genetic variability in the types from the same geographic region. The clusters XII and XIV were highly divergent from the others. The type MS. 5201 in cluster XIV was superior in yield of grain and straw, panicle length and rachis number while MS. 1452/1 in cluster II was superior for panicle number. The type MS. 4955 in cluster VII recorded the lowest number of days to half bloom. When these types which are highly divergent are utilized in a crossing programme, a large spectrum of recombinants are likely to be unleashed. The rank total analysis disclosed that yield of grain and straw and panicle length contributed most to genetic divergence.

Key words :