Genetic divergence between half-sib families under different environments in Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata L.)

Abstract

Thirty-two half sib progenies of Kachnar (Bauhinia variegats L.) belonging to different geographic regions of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir were sown in glasshouse and field condition during 2004 with a view to assess the impact of two different environments on the expression of genetic diversity using non·hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis. Superior tree progenies were grouped into ten and eight clusters in glasshouse and field atmosphere, respectively. Families of plus tree T5 and T6 formed one cluster both under glasshouse and field back ground. Whereas, T3 and T9; T19 and T2; T17 and T1S; T15 and T22; T15 and T1S; T30 and T31 , formed same group but different clusters. Intra cluster distance only under glasshouse condition was zero for cluster II, VI and X. The highest inter cluster distance was found between cluster X and III (12.293, under glasshouse), cluster IV and I (7.325, under field situation). Seedling height contributed maximum to the total divergence and played a predominant role in creating the genetic diversity.