Genetic divergence analysis in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) genotypes using D2 analysis under the hill zone of Karnataka

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is an important cucurbit grown widely in tropical and subtropical regions for its high nutritional and economic value. Understanding genetic diversity among genotypes is essential for effective parent selection in crop improvement programs. The present study was conducted during the summer season of 2023-24 at the College of Horticulture, Mudigere, Karnataka, to assess genetic divergence among 21 muskmelon genotypes based on 15 morphological and yield-related traits. The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Data were collected on traits such as vine length, number of branches and nodes, flowering attributes, fruit characteristics, and yield per vine. Genetic divergence was estimated using Mahalanobis’ D² statistics, and clustering was done using Tocher’s method. The genotypes were grouped into five distinct clusters, with Cluster I comprising the highest number of genotypes (10), followed by Cluster II (8), while Clusters III, IV, and V each contained a single genotype. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between Clusters I and V (277.76), indicating a wide genetic gap, while the highest intra-cluster distance was recorded in Cluster II (113.70), suggesting substantial variability within the cluster. Cluster mean analysis revealed that Clusters I and II performed better for several important traits, including fruit yield and vine growth. These clusters offer potential for selecting genetically diverse and agronomically superior parents for hybridization. The findings provide a basis for improving muskmelon productivity through breeding, though multi-location trials are recommended to validate the results across different environments.