Genetic diversity assessment in physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.)

Mahalanobis’ D-square (D2) statistics was applied to assess diversity in the 9 genotypes collectedof semi-arid region of India (7 genotypes from Gujarat and Rajasthan for normal toxic and two fromOrissa csmcri’s plantation of non toxic nature. These genotypes were grouped into five. Cluster I andIII had two genotypes, cluster II had three genotypes and cluster VI and V contributed as solitarygermplasms. The genotypes in cluster II had the maximum divergence which was closely followed bycluster III. The maximum and minimum divergence was revealed between clusters I with cluster Vand cluster I and cluster V with cluster IV, respectively. In general, cluster III and IV exhibited highand low mean values, respectively for most of the characters. It has been suggested that for varietalimprovement, hybridization among the genotypes of divergent clusters should be done in order toobtain better results in terms of variability and diversity.

Genetic diversity assessment in physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) Keywords:

Jatropha , J. curcas , Cluster pattern , D-Square analysis