Identification of potential inbreds using genetic diversity studies in advanced genepool lines of castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Castor being an important non-edible oilseed crop requires a constant need for the development of superior hybrids.To achieve the objective, the availability of diverse germplasm is the pre-requisite.One such way to broaden the diversity of germplasm or parental lines is by developing gene pools.The present study was aimed at studying the phenotypic diversity of ifty advanced lines of castor derived from gene pool.Ten agro-morphological traits were evaluated in the genotypes and signi icant differences were found for all 2 the traits.The genotypes were grouped into ten clusters in D clustering method due to high heterogeneity.The cluster I was the largest with 29 genotypes and the clusters V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X had only one genotype each.The genetic distance was highest between the clusters III and X.The genetic divergence within the clusters was maximum for cluster IV.The highest cluster means for the characters understudy were distributed across different clusters.The genetic diversity was mostly contributed by plant height up 2 to primary raceme and seed yield.The superior-performing lines for different traits were placed at different clusters in D analysis.Thus to generate heterotic hybrids, such diverse parental lines can be utilized in crossing programmes.However, to further improve the genetic resources of castor, genotypes from diverse clusters with high performance of yield attributing traits can be utilized.