Genetic diversity and association studies in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Understanding of genetic divergence and traits association among 108 rice genotypes, nine morphological traits were studied. Based on their D2 values the genotypes were grouped into 14 clusters and the maximum of 37 genotypes grouped under cluster 1. The highest intra and inter cluster distance was observed in cluster X and between cluster XII and XIV respectively. The trait grain length recorded maximum contribution to the divergence followed by plant height. Selection based on these traits would be more effective in creation of divergent population. Moderate Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, high heritability and high genetic advance as percentage of mean were observed for all the traits studied. The traits, number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle and thousand grain weight had shown significant positive correlation with yield and also recorded high direct effect on yield. Hence the selection based on these traits may helpful in planning efficient breeding programs.