Evaluation of Genetic Divergence in Durum Wheat (Triticum durum L.) for Yield Improvement

Abstract

For assessment of the genetic divergence among fifty durum wheat (Triticum durum L.) genotypes, the present investigation was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Niphad (MS) during rabi 2023–24 Observations were recorded on nine important traits, and analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. Considerable variation was observed for days to heading and maturity, plant height, tiller number, spike length, spikelets spike-1, grains spike-1, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield plot-1, suggesting good scope for genetic improvement through selection and breeding. Genetic divergence was estimated using Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics, and the fifty genotypes were grouped into nine clusters by Tocher’s method. The clustering pattern revealed wide interand intra-cluster distances, confirming the existence of substantial genetic diversity and offering valuable opportunities for crop improvement. Cluster mean analysis further demonstrated significant differences among clusters for all studied traits, highlighting diverse genetic backgrounds. Among the genotypes, DDW-47, NIDW1149, and HD-8381 exhibited superior performance for yield and yield-attributing traits, while Jay and GW1339 were characterized as earliest maturing and shortest. These genotypes, being diverse and promising, can serve as potential parents in crossing programs aimed at enhancing yield potential and adaptability of durum wheat.