Multivariate Analysis of Genetic Variation in Rapeseed ( Brassica Napus L. )

Designing breeding programs for rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cultivars with developed seed and oil yields needs information about the genetic variability of characters. In this study, 40 rapeseed genotypes were evaluated for genetic variation and relationships between 12 agro-morphological characters. Brassica species represent a broad range of crops. This redirects the high degree of genetic diversity and allied phenotypic plasticity. Significant differences among the clusters were observed. The first two components with Eigen value were greater than unity contributed a total of 42.77% variation to the divergence. The genotypes were grouped into five clusters. Cluster V contained the maximum number of genotypes (11) and cluster III contained the lowest (4). The highest inter-cluster distance was found between cluster II and cluster V and the lowest between cluster II and cluster IV. The highest intra-cluster distance was noticed for cluster I and the lowest for cluster V. Considering diversity pattern and other agronomic performance lines Nap0837, Nap-0733-1, Nap-2066, Nap-9901, Nap-108 and BARI-8 could be considered apposite parents. This information is suitable for hybrid breeding and encouraging breeders to exchange their germplasm as to enlarge the genetic diversity of breeding accessions