GENETIC DIVERGENCE IN SAFFRON (CROCUS SATIVUS L.)

Divergence studies grouped all the genotypes in eleven clusters in pooled analysis with the majority of genotypes (229) in cluster I whereas, all other clusters were monogenotypic except cluster II. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed between genotype SDM-43 and SDM-220 grouped in cluster I. Cluster VIII and X accommodating genotype SDM-45 and SDM-115, recorded maximum inter-cluster distance (445.51) followed by cluster VI and X (416.74), cluster II and cluster XI (416.38) and cluster VIII and cluster XI (415.82). Cluster VIII revealed high cluster mean for saffron yield, average weight of daughter corms and pistil length on account of grouping of high yielding genotype SDM-45, showing saffron yields to the tune of 15.30 mg associated with 17.10% crocin content.
Percent contribution of different traits towards divergence revealed strong influence of fresh pistil weight, stigma length and crocin content.
Therefore, such characters can be taken as criteria in selection for divergent lines.

III International Symposium on Saffron: Forthcoming Challenges in Cultivation, Research and Economics

M.I. Maqhdoomi, F.A. Nehvi, S.A. Wani

corm, floral, genetic divergence, saffron

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2010.850.10