Genetic Diversity Assessment Using D2 Statistics in Finger Millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.]

Aim: The current investigation was carried out using total of 101 finger millet genotypes was carried out at two locations in four environments to study diversity.

Study Design: Randomized Block Design.

Place and Duration of Study: 6 Months at Hill Millet Research Station and College Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari.

Methodology: D2 statistics was used for study of diversity in 101 genotypes.

Results: The perusal of the data for diversity studies revealed that intra-cluster distance ranged from 59.93 to 96.56. Highest inter-cluster distance was maximum between clusters VI and XI followed by cluster pair VI and VII.

Conclusions: Based upon high yielding genotypes and large inter-cluster distances, it is advised to attempt crossing of the genotypes from clusters VI and XI as well as VIII and XIII which may produce broad spectrum of favourable genetic variability for yield improvement in finger millet.