Genetic Divergence Analysis in Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) by Using Morpho-agronomic Traits in Western Uttar Pradesh, India

The field experiment was conducted during 2021-22. During the study the analysis of variance for 19 diverse genotypes of Amaranthus were designed in randomized block design and revealed significant difference for all the 12 characters, this indicated the presence of wide spectrum of variability among the genotypes. The analysis of genetic divergence through Mahalanobis D2 statistics revealed that a considerable genetic diversity was found among genotypes. 19 genotypes of Amaranthus were grouped into 5 clusters. Out of these 5 clusters, Cluster II contains maximum number of genotypes that is seven, followed by cluster I which comprising six genotypes, Cluster III comprising four genotypes, whereas cluster IV and V containing only one genotype each. All the desired combinations of traits should be considered, while breeding programme for selecting high yielding genotypes and suitable for breeders to achieving improved plant type.