Genotypic Divergence and Cluster Patterns in Broad Bean (Vicia faba L.): Implications for Genetic Improvement

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important grain legume with high protein content (approximately 25-30%) and has high nutritional value. It is mainly cultivated in winter for human consumption and as animal feed. According to FAOSTAT (2020), the total growing area of the broad bean reaches 2.5 million hectares and yields more than 4.5 million tons. For genetic and biodiversity research, germplasm characterization, and the introduction of genetic variability in plant breeding, the faba bean’s genetic diversity is a crucial metric to understand. The present study aims to assess the genetic diversity among eighteen varied faba bean populations provided by the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Qualitative and quantitative parameters were used to determine the genetic diversity of the studied population. By D2 analysis in this research, four clusters were analyzed, and D2 statistics were used to calculate intra and inter cluster D2 values. The mean D2 values of cluster elements were utilized as intra and inter cluster distance metrics. Cluster II with three genotypes had the most intra-cluster divergence (D2 =3.073), followed by Cluster III with two genotypes (D2 =2.984), Cluster I with five genotypes, and Cluster IV with eight genotypes had the lowest intra-cluster diversity (D2 =2.978). The present study is the first step towards developing an efficient breeding program.