Abstract

                                Genetic divergence was assessed in 32 varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) using u statis tic for six characters related to yield. The population was grouped into nine clusters. Tho geographic distribution was not related to genetic diversity. Genotypes chosen from the same eco-geographic region were found scattered in different clusters. tetra-cluster 0 value was highest for cluster V. Maximum intercluster D value was observed between clusters I and IX. Cluster i, had high mean value for panicle bearing tilles, cluster V for grains) panicle and grain yield/plant, and cluster VI for panicle length. The cluster Vil had the lowest mean for sterile grains/panicle, Plant height contributed Maximum role in total genetic diversity followed by sterile grains and grains/panicle, utilizing the genotypes of clusters which are highly divergent is likely to result in wide spectrum or variabilty through hybridization.

Key words :