Genetic Divergence Analysis Based on Seed Vigour Parameters in Wheat

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the genetic divergence among thirty-four wheat varieties on the basis of seed vigour parameters. All the varieties were evaluated for their performance for different viability and vigour parameters viz. test weight, standard germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index-I, vigour index-II, accelerated ageing test, electrical conductivity, tetrazolium test, dehydrogenase activity test, field emergence index and seedling establishment. Ward's Minimum Variance method was used to construct the dendrogram on the basis of these parameters. All the thirty-four genotypes were divided into two major clusters at a Standard Euclidean (L) distance of 170 and these two clusters were further divided into five sub major clusters at a distance 20. Cluster pattern revealed that, cluster 2 and cluster 4 were the largest group consisting of 8 genotypes each followed by cluster 5 (7 genotypes), cluster 3 (6 genotypes) and cluster 1 (5 genotypes). The cluster means revealed considerable differences among all the clusters. An examination of the varietal composition of the clusters indicated that the cluster 3 is composed of relatively high vigorous genotypes because of high mean values of most of the vigour parameters viz, seedling dry weight, vigour indices, accelerated ageing and dehydrogenase activity while the cluster 5 was consisted of low vigour genotypes.