Diversity Analysis of Wheat Genotypes Based on Morpho-Physiological And RAPD Markers in Relation to Moisture Stress

Diversity Analysis of Wheat Genotypes Based on Morpho-Physiological And RAPD Markers in Relation to Moisture Stress..

Sixty genotypes were evaluated using morphological parameters and molecular markers. Considerable level of variability was observed among the genotypes for chlorophyll content, plant height, spike length and number of plant per meter. Maximum chlorophyll content was observed in genotype SACT-3.2-20-C under irrigated and EGPSN-28 under nonirrigated conditions, while, EGPSN-73 (irrigated) and SACT-2.5-9 (non-irrigated) showed highest density (plants/m2). Seeds/ spike and 1000 grain weight were found significantly different in all the 60 genotypes. Genetic diversity based on morpho-physiological traits grouped 60 genotypes in to three clusters and the cluster 3 was most distant group none of the genotype showed drought tolerance. Variability observed at morpho-physiological level was further confirmed by RAPD with 20 reproducible primers. RAPD analysis also grouped all 60 genotypes into three clusters except EGPSN-128 which was ungrouped. 64.4% mean similarity was observed among wheat genotypes, was an indication that genotypes have a common gene pool. Genotypes EGPSN73, SACT-3.3-17-A, EGPSN-58, HMN18 and EGPSN-144 were identified drought tolerant.....