Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Lentil [Lens culinaris Medik]

Abstract

In this study experiments were conducted to assess the genetic variability using thirty genotypes at Crop research Center, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology Meerut in RBD with three replication on different dates of sowing Rabi 2020. Analysis of variance showed significant amount of variability for all traits under study. High GCV and PCV were observed for number of branches per plant. High heritability was observed for number of branches per plant followed by seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, harvest index, plant height, number of pods per plant, days to maturity and days to 50% flowering. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded in number of pods per plant showing that heritability might be due to additive gene effects and direct selection for this trait may be useful. Genotypic correlation coefficients were higher in magnitude than the phenotypic correlation coefficients in all the traits under study. Seed yield showed positive and significant correlation with number of pods per plant, number of branches per plant, harvest index, biological yield per plant and both genotypic and phenotypic level. Path coefficient analysis showed that among the various yield contributing traits viz; harvest index followed by biological yield per plant, number of branches per plant, plant height, days to maturity has positive direct effect on seed yield. Grain yield per plant could be improved by selection based on these characters. Six clusters were formed by D2 analysis using nine component characters. Out of the 6 clusters, cluster II and IV were found the largest clusters, a total of 7 genotypes fell in these clusters. Custer V had 6 genotypes, cluster VI 5 genotypes, cluster III had 3 genotypes, cluster I had 2 genotypes each. The maximum intra cluster distance was observed for cluster V and lowest intra cluster distance was recorded for cluster I. Maximum inter cluster distance was revealed between cluster I and III and minimum inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster II and IV. Many genotypes which were distributed in different clusters at morphological level indicating higher degree of genetic diversity.