Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

The current study was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Shenda Park, Kolhapur during kharif, 2023-24. The investigation consists of thirty seven (37) genotypes of finger millet. These genotypes were evaluated on the basis of twelve morphological characters for the diversity analysis. The diversity analysis distributed all genotypes into twelve consecutive clusters using tochers method. The D2 values were computed as inter and intra cluster distance which ranged from 46.37 to 1613.13. The highest value was seen between clusters X and XII, while the lowest value was found between clusters II and IX (46.37). Cluster X and XII (1613.13), Cluster IX and X (1498.81), Cluster III and XII (1359.00) had the largest inter-cluster distance, hence the genotypes present in this cluster viz., KFMG-2234, KFMG-2235, KFMG-2236, KFMG-2237, KFMG-2216, KFMG-2208 and KFMG-2208 could use in breeding programs to exploit the heterosis in terms of the hybrid progeny. The character productive tillers per plant, weight of 1000 grains, flag leaf blade width and peduncle length contribute mostly to the divergence. So the selection of parents can also rely on these characters in a breeding programme.