INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC VARIABILITY, TRAIT ASSOCIATIONS AND MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY IN SORGHUM (SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH)

Abstract

Understanding genetic diversity and trait relationships is crucial for effective utilization of sorghum germplasm. Fifty genotypes were evaluated across kharif and summer seasons in an RBD with two replications for genetic variability, trait associations, and divergence. Pooled ANOVA revealed significant genotypic variation and genotype × environment interactions for key phenological and yield traits, indicating differential seasonal responses. Grain yield per plant exhibited the widest range 17.8 – 86.4 g plant⁻¹ and high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation 29.07 % and 36.90%, respectively. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for days to 50% flowering, panicle width, thousand-grain weight and grain yield, indicating selection potential. Grain yield was positively correlated with panicle weight, leaf width, thousand grain weight, leaf length and panicle width, but negatively correlated with days to 50% flowering and maturity. Path analysis identified panicle weight (0.309) and leaf width (0.247) as the major positive direct contributors to yield. Four principal components with eigenvalues greater than one explained 60.75% of the variation. Ward’s hierarchical clustering using Euclidean distance grouped the genotypes into six distinct clusters, with cluster V comprised maximum of 14 genotypes and cluster VI was found to be solitary. Clusters II and VI were superior for grain yield per plant, thousand grain weight and leaf width. Panicle weight, leaf width and earliness are identified as useful selection criteria and clusters II and VI as valuable sources for sorghum improvement. These findings aid in identifying promising traits and genotypes for developing high-yielding, early-maturing, and widely adaptable sorghum cultivars.