Abstract

Genetic divergence was assessed in 30 varieties of sorghum using D statistics for eight characters related to yield. The population was grouped into 8 clusters. Clusters 11. I, and III were large and consisting more than two third of the total popu- lation. Days to maturity, plant height, ear girth and ear length were mainly responsi- ble for genetic divergence. Clusters with small statistical distances were considered less diverse than those with large distances. Only genetically diverse lines with specific characters of interent and having high yield potential should be intercrossed. The varieties belonging to V and VII, respectively, were found genetically diverse, and also of high yield potential and as such could be crossed with varieties belonging to Il for evolving high yielding and early maturing varieties.

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