Multivariate analysis in onion (Allium cepa L.)

Abstract

Thirty genotypes collected from India, Burma, and Bangladesh were studied for thier genetic divergence using Mahalanobi´s D² and Rao´s canonical analysis. Altogether five clusters were formed. The pattern of distribution of genotypes into five clusters was random demonstrating that the geographical isolation might not be the only factor causing genetic diversity. Leaf length and sulfur content contributed predominantly towards genetic divergence. Cluster III recorded the highest means for number of leaves per plant, leaf length, bulb length, plant height, and bulb yield. The results obtained from D² analysis were confirmed by canonical analysis. The genotype G₁₂ showed highest mean performance for moisture content (88.49%), G₁₃ for leaf length (39.06 cm), G₁₅ for neck diameter at vegetative stage (11.21 mm), bulb length (49.09 mm), plant height (64.82 cm) and as well as bulb yield (13.17 t/ha), G₁₉ for percent sulfur content (0.84) and G₂₆ for number of leaves per plant (12), respectively.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i4.14375

Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(4): 573-582, December 2012