Study of Yield Parameters and Kernel Micronutrient Genetic Diversity in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Forty-eight maize inbred lines were evaluated for thirteen traits for the genetic diversity study. The research experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. All the 48 genotypes were grouped into 4 clusters. Cluster II consist of largest cluster comprising of 22 maize genotypes followed by cluster II (14) and cluster IV (11). Cluster I comprise least number of genotype (1). Cluster distances indicated by the average inter and intra cluster distance is the approximate measure of the cluster divergence. Genotypes of cluster III show high intra cluster distance indicating high degree of divergence among the genotypes studied. It can be inferred that crossing between these genotypes may result in good recombinants for successful breeding program.