Genetic diversity analysis of Basmati rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes for grain yield and quality traits

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the genetic diversity and association among 36 Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes based on morphological and quality traits. Different genotypes were evaluated in randomized block design (RBD) at Rice Research Station, Kaul (India) during rainy (kharif) season 2016 and 2017. Principle component analysis indicated that first five principle components (PC) accounted for more than 80% (PC1=35.33%, PC2=19.84%, PC3= 11.30, PC4=8.08 and PC5=6.81%) of the total variation. Principle component 1 was loaded with number of tiller per plant, panicle length, panicle weight, number of spikelets per panicle, thousand grain weight, grain yield per plant and harvest index while plant height, biological yield per plant, hulling per cent, milling per cent, head rice recovery per cent, alkali spreading value and amylose content were present in principle component 2. Cluster analysis divided the genotypes into five clusters and genotypes with earliness and yielding traits were present in cluster 1. A high positive and significant correlation of grain yield per plant was seen with number of tillers per plant, panicle length, panicle weight, number of spikelets per panicle, biological yield per plant, harvest index, alkali spreading value and amylose content. This study would be helpful in identifying the diverse and donor parents for important traits which can be used for genetic improvement programs of Basmati rice.