Assessment of genetic diversity of kenaf genotypes (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)

Genetic diversity of Kenaf genotypes aimed to evaluate the extent of genetic variability and identify promising genotypes for dry fibre yield improvement. A total of 52 kenaf genotypes were assessed in kharif 2021 using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Observations were measured for eight quantitative traits including flowering time, plant height, basal diameter, green weight, stick yield, dry fibre yield, and fibre recovery. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all traits studied. Dry fibre yield and fibre recovery exhibited high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, indicating considerable variability. Heritability estimates were high for most traits, and traits such as dry fibre yield and fibre recovery exhibited both high heritability and high genetic advance, indicating additive gene effects and prospects for improvement via direct selection. Correlation and path coefficient analysis revealed that traits like days to initiation of flowering, plant height, basal diameter, and green weight had significant positive correlations and direct effects on dry fibre yield. Genetic divergence analysis grouped the genotypes into four clusters, with maximum inter-cluster distance observed between Clusters I and II, indicating substantial genetic diversity. Based on cluster means, genetic distances, and trait performance, genotypes such as KIM-02, KIN-256, KIN-233, and KIM-32 were identified as potential parents for future hybridization programs aimed at fibre yield improvement in kenaf.