Genetic diversity in indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss.)

Genetic diversity was assessed in a collection of 81 true breeding advanced generation lines/varieties of Indian mustard on the basis of yield and yield related traits. The study revealed enormous diversity in the material as indicated by the wide range of D² value from 7.51 (between the genotypes PBR 253 and RGN-74) to 2116.02 (between the genotypes PHJ-04-401 and Narendra rai). The genotypes fell in thirteen clusters when grouped using the Tocher's method. Cluster/had the highest number of genotypes. The inter cluster distances ranged from 102.93 between cluster V and VIII to 2072.84 between XI and XII. Cluster III was most divergent. The clustering pattern of different genotypes did not follow their geographical distribution. Test weight, plant height and number of siliquae/plant contributed most towards the total divergence. These characters could, therefore, form the basis for selection of parents for distantly placed clusters to obtain high heterotic combinations.