Genetic diversity analysis of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) in relation to phenotypic characters

Genetic divergence study is very essential for the selection of genetically diverse parents from existence germplasm for conducting successful hybridization program. An investigation with one hundred nineteen genotypes of proso millet was carried out in Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur, Bangladesh to study the nature and magnitude of genetic divergence following Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The experiment was accompanied following Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) which replicated thrice. The 119 genotypes of proso millet were assembled into eight clusters. Among the eight clusters, cluster VI was found to be largest having 27 germplasm followed by cluster V having 20 germplasm. While the minimum number of germplasms was observed in cluster II noted as 7. High degree of genetic diversity was revealed by the genotypes of cluster III and cluster IV. Cluster III was appropriate for filling period, height of plant, weight of seed per panicle, yield of straw /plant and yield of grain /plant. Cluster VIII is suitable for early flowering and short duration proso millet variety. Cluster III is best suited for the development of dwarf variety. Weight of seed/ panicle (g) and flag leaf area (cm2) contributed most towards genetic diversity of proso millet. Analysis confirmed the lack of association between geographic origin and hereditary assortment, as germplasm from the unalike area clustered into same groups and the germplasm of alike area were congregated into different clusters. Therefore, plant breeder should assess their material for genetic diversity and should not purely depend on their geographical origin.