Divergence Analysis of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes

Genetic diversity is pre-requisite for any crop improvement programme as it helps in the development of superior recombinants. The crosses between parents with maximum genetic divergence are generally the most responsive for genetic improvement. A quantitative estimation of genetic diversity guides the breeder for rapid progress of the breeding programme. The selection of agronomically suitable diverse parents for hybridization is important for getting desired recombinants in segregating generations. Hybrids showing strong heterosis are usually developed from the parental lines that are diverse in relatedness, ecotype, geographic origin etc