Genetic diversity for quality traits in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.)]

Abstract

Genetic diversity analysis in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.) was carried out by using
Mahalanobis D2 analysis. Thirty five genotypes were grouped in to V clusters for different quality
characters. Cluster means revealed that the cluster I showed the highest mean value for stearic acid. Cluster
II for protein content, palmitic acid and for linoleic acid. Cluster III for oil content, and oleic acid and for
linolenic acid. Cluster IV for fibre content. Cluster V for erucic acid and for ash content. The clustering
pattern did not establish a clear-cut relationship between genetic diversity and geographical diversity. The
analysis of data revealed that the intercluster distance (D) ranged from 3.3 to 9.5 the maximum intercluster
distance was observed between clusters IV and cluster I. The protein content (28.6%) and oil content
(26.9%) were the main contributors to the total divergence. The characters such as palmitic acid (14.1%)
and stearic acid (10.6%) had contributed moderately.