Agro-morphological characterization of 100 pigeonpea Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. accessions of Indian National Gene Bank and assessment of diversity present for efficient utilization in pigeonpea improvement programs

Abstract Altogether 100 genotypes of pigeonpea including 6 checks viz; KRG- 33, PT-0012, UPAS-120, CORG-9701, BDN-716, C.G ARHAR-2 were evaluated in Augmented Block Design. Characterization and grouping of genotypes for yield specific traits were carried out with the help of descriptor of pigeonpea suggested by PPV&FRA. The knowledge of nature and extent of genetic variation are available in the pigeonpea genotypes, collection, conservation and characterization of genotype is the backbone of any crop improvement program which in turn depends on the extent of genetic diversity in gene pool. Diversity in plant genotypes provides opportunity for plant breeders to develop new and improved cultivars with desirable characteristics, which include both preferred traits viz. earliness and yield attributing traits.In the present study assessment of genetic diversity is done wih the help of D2 Analysis. 100 accessions were grouped into 6 clusters. The intra cluster distance varied from 0 to 1713.60 and the inter cluster varied from 2235.09 to 9750.48 it clearly demonstrated considerable amount of genetic divergence present in material study.