VARIABILITY AND DIVERSITY STUDY FOR GREEN MANURING TRAITS IN DHAINCHA (Sesbania cannabina L)

Genetic variability and diversity was studied for fourteen different green manuring traits in dhaincha. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among all the characters studied. High value of GCV and PCV along with high heritability and high genetic advance was observed for traits like branches per plant, leaflets per leaf, root nodules per plant, fresh and dry weight of root nodules per plant and days to fifty percent flowering indicating role of additive gene action in expression of these traits. Based on D2 values, clustering of thirty genotypes by Tocher’s method into two clusters revealed that the pattern of distribution of genotypes did not confirm with eco-geographic distribution. Among fourteen traits, C:N ratio contributed maximum towards total divergence followed by branches per plant, days to fifty per cent flowering and leaflets per leaf. Clustering of genotypes and inter cluster distance indicated narrow genetic base of genotypes