Unravelling Genetic Diversity of Traditional Rice Varieties Based on Seed Yield and Quality Parameters

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out using forty-two traditional rice landraces to assess the genetic divergence for eighteen seed yield and seed quality traits. The analysis of variance indicated significant variability for all the traits studied, confirming the presence of a high degree of genetic divergence among the evaluated landraces. Based on D² cluster analysis, the landraces were grouped into six distinct clusters. The maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in Cluster V, indicating greater genetic variability among the landraces within this cluster. The highest inter-cluster distance was recorded between Clusters V and VI, suggesting the widest genetic divergence between them. Landraces grouped under Cluster I exhibited superior seed yield combined with excellent cooking quality. Among the different traits, seed yield per plant, dry matter production, seedling shoot length, seedling root length, kernel elongation after cooking, and kernel length before cooking contributed the most to the total genetic divergence. Based on their divergence and desirable trait performance, three landraces G21 (Rathasalli), G23 (Sigappukavuni), and G42 (Karun Kuruvai) from Cluster II, V and VI were identified as potential parents for future crop improvement programmes.