Genetic diversity analysis in maize using morphological characters

Abstract

Abstract : Genetic divergence among 39 Maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines were estimated using D2 and principal component analysis. All the inbred lines were grouped into five clusters. Cluster V was the largest comprising 11 inbred lines and cluster III was the smallest with 6 inbred lines. Cluster II had the highest intra-cluster distance and Cluster IV had the lowest intra-cluster distance. The inter-cluster distances were larger than the intra-cluster distance suggesting wider genetic diversity among the inbred lines of different groups. Inter-cluster distance was maximum (7.739) between clusters II and III. The results revealed that inbred lines chosen for hybridization from clusters with highest distances would give high heterotic FI and broad spectrum of variability in segregating generations. The characters- plant height (cm), number of grain rows per cob, grain yield per plant (g) contributed maximum towards divergence among maize inbreds. Considering cluster distance, inter-genotypic distance and other agronomic performances EIO and E26 from cluster I; El 1 and E14 from cluster II; E19 and E22 from cluster III; El and E33 from cluster IV; E24, E25 and E28 from cluster V may be considered to be better parents for future uses in hybrid program.