K-means Clustering of Sunflower Maintainer and Restorer Lines for Yield and Yield-related Traits

Abstract

Aims: The present investigation aimed to assess maintainer and restorer lines independently to identify genetically diverse lines within each group. These selected lines can be used in hybridization and subsequent inbreeding programs to develop superior inbred lines with enhanced seed yield and oil content, based on twelve yield and yield-associated traits. Study Design:  Augmented RCBD with 12 blocks was followed. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted during late Rabi- 2022 at AICRP on Sunflower, ZARS, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore. Methodology: A total of of 121 maintainer lines and 17 restorer lines along with 5 checks (CMS-17B, CMS-234B, ARM 243B, RHA-6D-1 and RHA-1-1) were evaluated for 12 yield and yield related traits. Diversity was analyzed using K means clustering.  Results: The diversity analysis of maintainer lines resulted in 12 clusters, of which the maximum inter-cluster distance (27.22) was observed between cluster VI and cluster IX. Maintainer lines from these can be improved through hybridization followed by inbreeding and selection. maintainer lines in Cluster II were found to be high seed (mean value of 41.37g per plant) and oil yielders (mean value of 13.43 g per plant). Restorer lines formed five clusters, of which, the maximum inter-cluster distance of 18.29 was observed between cluster II and cluster V indicating that the restorer lines between these clusters are highly divergent. Restorer lines in Cluster II were high seed (mean value of 25.75 g per plant) and oil yielders (mean value of 10.04 g per plant). Conclusion: Overall, the findings indicate that the experimental material possesses substantial genetic diversity, which can be effectively utilized in future crop improvement programs.