Diversity analysis in different accessions of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

In order to assess the genetic diversity of coriander and determine the traits effective on seed yield, twenty-eight coriander ecotypes which different provinces of India were evaluated based on morphological traits. Mahalanobis D2 statistics of multivariate analysis is recognized as a powerful tool in quantifying the degree of genetic divergence among the populations and to identify suitable donors for a successful breeding programme, as it measures forces of differentiation at intra and inter cluster levels. The D2 analysis indicated presence of ample genetic diversity among the genotypes studied, which were grouped into five clusters through Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster IV and V (D2 = 471.83). The maximum intra cluster distance was observed within cluster IV (D2 = 36.48) which included five genotypes followed by cluster III (D2 = 11.37) which included eight genotypes. Therefore, the genotypes belonging to these different clusters may be undertaken in a hybridization programme for getting better segregants.