Genetic Diversity Analysis of Oryza glaberrima Derived Introgression Lines under Direct Seeded Condition

The increasing water scarcity and labour wages have led to the search for alternative crop establishment in rice, such as direct seeded rice (DSR). DSR can reduce unproductive water flow, reduce labour requirements, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Genetic diversity was assessed for hundred and three rice introgression lines using Mahalanobis’ D2 analysis and Tochers’ clustering method. Cluster I had the largest number of genotypes (73), tailed by Cluster II with 15 genotypes. Cluster III and IV had the maximum intra-cluster distances, with Cluster IV having a significant number for desirable characters. The results disclosed that days to 50% flowering, tailed by plant height contributed much to diversity. The most significant inter-cluster distances were found in Clusters involving III and IV, II and III, I and IV and II and IV. These introgression lines can be utilised in crosses, resulting in fruitful recombination during the selection process.