Genetic diversity analysis among Solanum tuberosum genotypes of potato under Indo-Gangetic plain

A Research, titled “Genetic diversity analysis among tuberosum genotypes of potato under Indo-Gangetic plain” was conducted at the Potato Research Farm, TCA Dholi, Bihar, during the Rabi season of 2023-2024. Understanding the nature and extent of genetic divergence helps plant breeders in selecting and hybridizing suitable parents to develop superior genotypes with improved quality traits. The primary objective was to assess the genetic diversity and identify genotypes with superior traits for various breeding programs. The material consisted of 26 tuberosum genotypes used in a RBD with 3 replications. Tocher’s method of clustering grouped the 26 tuberosum genotypes into seven distinct clusters. Cluster I contained the more number of genotypes (13), followed by Cluster III with 5 genotypes, while Cluster II had three genotypes. Clusters V, VI, and VII were mono-genotypic. Clusters I and V has the lowest inter-cluster distance (196.41) whereas between cluster IV and VII highest inter cluster distance 1180.82 was governed. Maximum contribution to total genetic diversity was recorded for the number of tubers per plant. Cluster III of the tuberosum genotypes showed the highest mean values for important traits such as tuber yield, number of compound leaves per plant, and plant height. CP1215, CP1157 and CP1596 genotypes can be used for the early maturing variety breeding programs. Genotypes such as CP2298, CP3674, and CP4404 from Cluster III were identified as potential donor parents for hybridization programs aimed at improving potato yield under Indo-Gangetic plain conditions.