Studies on genetic diversity for grain yield and physiological parameters in maize (Zea mays L.).

ABSTRACT

The D2 statistics is useful tool to assess genetic diversity among genotypes. It also provides qualitative measures of association between geographical and genetic diversity based on generalized distances. In the present study data on forty nine genotypes were subjected to D2 analysis, which revealed the presence of substantial amount of genetic variability among them. The pattern of distribution of genotypes into various clusters was random, suggesting that geographical and genetic diversity were not related. The experimental material was partitioned into eight clusters. Flag leaf area per plant contributed maximum towards genetic diversity followed by days to 50 per cent tasseling.