Studies on Genetic Divergence in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Background: The genetic divergence in faba bean genotypes is critical for breeding programs aiming to improve yield and other agronomic traits. Understanding the extent of genetic variability among different genotypes can guide the selection of superior varieties and enhance crop improvement efforts. This study was conducted to evaluate the genetic diversity among 47 faba bean genotypes grown under the specific agro-climatic conditions of Chhattisgarh. Methods: The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2022-23 at the Hi-Tech-Nursery, Dau Kalyan Singh College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bhatapara, under Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Chhattisgarh. A total of 47 faba bean genotypes were evaluated for genetic divergence using Mahalanobis D2 statistics and Tocher’s method. Ten quantitative characters, including marketable pod yield per plant and marketable pod weight appearance, were measured and analyzed. The genotypes were grouped into clusters based on their genetic distances. Result: The clustering pattern indicated that genetic diversity was independent of geographical diversity. Cluster II contained the highest number of genotypes (19), followed by Cluster I (13), while Cluster IV had the least (1). Among the ten quantitative characters studied, marketable pod yield per plant contributed most to genetic divergence, followed by marketable pod weight appearance. The maximum intra-cluster D2 value was observed in Cluster IV (477.35), followed by Cluster III (250.07). The highest inter-cluster D2 value was between Cluster I and Cluster IV (7917.34), followed by Cluster IV and Cluster V (6156.43).