Multivariate Analysis in Green Gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] for Assessment of Genetic Diversity using D2 Statistics

Background: Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is one of the most significant edible pulse crop with a balanced nutritional profile that contains significant levels of bioactive compounds, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein. Genetic diversity is a fundamental requirement in any program aimed at enhancing yield through genetics. By effectively hybridizing genetically diverse parents, a significant heterotic response can be achieved in F1 hybrids, along with a wide range of variability in subsequent generations. Methods: In the present study 36 genotypes of green gram were subjected to D2 analysis for 13 varied characters. The experiment was conducted at experimental fields of Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Phagwara, Punjab during the month of March, 2024 in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) having three replications. Result: Ten clusters were formed in which 16 genotypes were grouped into cluster I which was the largest cluster followed by cluster II (6), IV (3), cluster III, V, VI and VII had 2 genotypes while cluster VIII, IX and X accommodated only one genotype per cluster. Average intra-cluster and inter-cluster distance depicted that cluster VIII, IX and X have no intra-cluster distance as they possessed only one genotype each. The maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster II (149.80) whereas, maximum inter-cluster distance was observed among the clusters I and V (1595.11). The least inter-cluster distance was exhibited among the clusters VI and X (219.75). Contribution percentage for genetic divergence ranged from 0.26 to 49.79%. Selection of desirable parents with these traits for improvement will give fruitful results as these traits have the maximum diversity.