Abstract

                                Genetic diversity and selection indices among 48 genotypes were estimated based on physical fruit characters in mango in subsequent on and off years. Based on D2 values, 48 genotypes were grouped in 5 clusters in two subsequent years. Number of genotypes varied from cluster to cluster due to existence of genotype – environment interactions. Popular mango varieties namely, Langra, Amrapali, Dashehari, Chousa, Neelum, Fazli, Alphonso, Totapari, Mallika and land races of Bhopal division of Madhya Pradesh like SBM 01-10, SBM 01-13, SBM 01- 14, SBM 01-38 and SBM 01-19 appeared most divergent and showed real genetic diversity. Fruits per tree, fruit yield per tree, weight per fruit, length and width of fruit and percentage weight of pulp contributed more towards genetic divergence hence, selection of parents based on these physical fruit traits in form of selection indices be advantageous in genetic improvement of physical fruit quality with high yield in mango (Mangifera indica L.). Genotypes SBM 01-10, SBM 01-36, SBM 01-09, SBM 01-30 and SBM 01-6 showed comparatively high estimates of selection indices during on year while, SBM 01-36 followed by SBM 01-12, Totapari, SBM 01- 17 and SBM 01-29 exhibited the maximum estimates for fruit yield/ tree during off year. Alphonso followed by SBM 01-5, SBM 01-13, Langra and SBM 01-14 during on year and Dashehari, Safeda, SBM 01-3 and SBM 01-39 in off year exhibited the minimum estimates of varietal indices for this trait. The ranking pattern of the genotypes based on selection indices was different in two years. Genotypes SBM 01-9, SBM 01-10, SBM 01-30, SBM 01-6 and SBM 01-36 which showed maximum varietal indices and phenotypic performance in both the years thus, appeared promising for use in breeding programme.

Key words : Genetic diversity, Inter and intra cluster distances, Genotypes, Fruit characters, Selection indices