D² analysis to study genetic variability in temperate carrot (Daucus carota L.)

D² analysis was carried out in 29 genotypes of carrot (Daucus carota l.) to identify suitable divergent parents for getting high heterotic effect in terms of yield and quality of temperate carrot. All the characters under study showed a wide range of values except days to marketable maturity. Phenotypic variability was highest for plot yield followed by gross root weight, net root weight, yield/ha, root/top ratio and leaf length. All the genotypes could be grouped into 6 different clusters. Cluster I, II, III, IV, V and VI accommodated 1, 4, 9, 3, 7 and 5 genotypes, respectively, which were independent of geographical distribution. The genotypes in cluster III recorded maximum intra-cluster distance. Maximum inter-cluster distance between the clusters I and II suggested wide diversity between the groups. Highest gross root weight, net root weight, root length, root diameter, shoulder diameter, core diameter and yield were recorded in cluster II. the results revealed that clusters II, VI and IV may be employed for further breeding programme in temperate carrots.