ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC DIVERSITY IN ADVANCED BREEDING LINES OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) FOR ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a vital global food source, faces increased demand due to population growth and evolving dietary habits, necessitating enhanced productivity on limited cultivable land.This study investigates the genetic diversity of 44 genotypes through Mahalanobis's D 2 statistics, focusing on critical traits such as panicle number, filled grains, and 100-grain weight.This experiment was carried out at Wetland Farm of S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, during the Kharif of 2020.The data was recorded for 15 yield and yield-related traits.The diversity analysis resulted in the formation of nine distinct clusters with varied inter-cluster and intra-cluster distances.Cluster I is the largest, comprising 14 genotypes, followed by Clusters III and V. Significant inter-cluster distances indicate diverse genotypic pedigrees.Cluster IX stands out with high mean values for several traits, while Clusters III, V, and VIII exhibit desirable characteristics.Days to 50% flowering, grain length, and 100grain weight contribute significantly to genetic divergence.The study provides insights for breeding programs to develop high-yielding and resilient rice varieties, contributing to sustainable intensification and global food security.