Abstract:
Genetic divergence as measured by D2 technique was studied for 18 grain quality traits in 132 rice genotypes
(128 traditional cultivars and 4 standard genotypes). The analysis of variance revealed significant
differences among the genotypes for each character indicating genotypes for characters studied. The
genotypes were grouped into 10 clusters and the maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster
VIII comprising of a single traditional rice cultivar Gonda jhul. Clusters VI and VUI were identified as
genetically divergent. Considering the cluster means and cluster distances, Bakal-B and Jondhera dhan of
cluster VI, Gonda jhul of cluster VUI, Poorva and IR-36 of cluster VII, Kranchi, X-12, Moti bakiya and
Assam chudi of cluster V and Kranti of cluster X were the most promising varieties. These may be utilized in
future breeding programme to obtain high heterotic effect or evolve desirable recombinants.
