Genetic divergence studies for yield and quality traits in coloured rice

The present investigation was undertaken with 33 coloured and white rice genotypes to estimate genetic divergence of the genotypes for yield and quality traits. The study involved seven red pericarp, eight black pericarp and 17 white rice genotypes, in addition to the check, BPT 5204. The diversity was evaluated using multivariate analysis technique of Mahalanobis [4] D2. The 33 rice genotypes studied were grouped into seven clusters. Cluster I was observed to be the largest with 18 genotypes, followed by Cluster III with nine genotypes and Cluster II with two genotypes. The clusters, IV, V, VI and VII were monogenotypic. The pattern of distribution of genotypes into various clusters was observed to be at random with no relation to geographical diversity. Results on inter-cluster distances revealed maximum diversity between genotypes of cluster I and cluster VII, while intra-cluster distance was noticed to be maximum for cluster III. Cluster II had recorded maximum grain yield per plant, in addition to test weight and plant height along with hulling percentage. The cluster II had also recorded intermediate amylose content and alkali spreading value (ASV) in addition to protein content more than 10 per cent and zinc more than 20ppm along with iron more than 10ppm. Further, maximum contribution towards genetic divergence was noticed by total phenol content (28.45%), followed by Total Antioxidant Activity (16.67%) and minimum by length/breadth ratio (0.10%).