Clustering of knolkhol (Brassica oleracea var. gongyloides L.) genotypes for various quantitative and quality traits

Abstract

The investigation comprising of thirty genotypes of knolkhol
was carried out at Vegetable Research Farm, SKUAST-J,
Main campus, Chatha, J & K to study the extend of genetic
divergence for various quantitative and quality traits of
knolkhol during the year 2016-17. Based on the performance
of genotypes in the main season thirty genotypes grouped
into six clusters of which cluster I accommodated 12
genotypes, while cluster V and VI were solitary. Intra cluster
distance was maximum for cluster III (122.44) followed by
cluster IV (104.23) and the maximum inter cluster distance
was observed between cluster II and cluster IV (1182.73)
followed by cluster I and IV (723.99). A considerable genetic
difference for cluster means of genotypes was observed
between the groups during main season. The genotypes
falling in cluster IV recorded maximum cluster mean value
for number of leaves per plant (11.18), marketable knob
diameter (7.37 cm), marketable knob weight/plant (380.29 g/
plant) and yield/plot (5.11 kg/plant); cluster I gave minimum
value for days to marketable maturity (50.10) and cluster VI
gave maximum cluster mean for most of the quality traits
such as beta carotene contents of knob and leaves, ascorbic
acid contents of knob, calcium content of knob and leaves,
potassium content of knob and leaves and phosphorous
content of knob and leaves. Hence, crosses between
genotypes selected from these clusters may be used to
generate knolkhol genotypes with good yield and quality
traits.