GENETIC DIVERGENCE IN PEARL MILLET ACCESSIONS OF INDIAN AND EXOTIC ORIGIN

Abstract

Fifty two pearl millet accessions of Indian and exotic origin were evaluated for genetic divergence. The accessions were grouped in ten clusters. Cluster I had approximately half of all the accessions. The genotypes in cluster I were early and had higher threshing ratio and seed weight, while those in clusters IV and V showed quick early growth. The clustering pattern indicated that the geographic diversity was not necessarily related with genetic diversity. Seedling vigour, productive tillers and plant height have been identified as potent variables which can be used as parameters while selecting diverse parents for hybridization programmes.