Abstract

Sixty-four rice genotypes were screened under submergence conditions to study the diversity pattern among the genotypes for identification and development of varieties suitable for flood prone areas. The genotypes were grouped into eight clusters. Maximum of 22 genotypes were grouped into cluster I followed by cluster II consisting of 14 genotypes. Clusters IV and VI were with single genotype indicating highest heterogeneity among the genotypes. Maximum inter-cluster distances were observed between clusters IV and VIII (3269.73) and V and VIII (3248.71). Maximum contribution to total divergence was observed from traits viz., test weight, relative shoot elongation, grain yield per plant and days to 50% flowering indicating importance of these characteristics for submergence tolerance. Hybridization between clusters IV and VIII may result in desirable segregants with high yield, minimal shoot elongation, fast recovery after de-submergence as these groups are extreme for traits associated with submergence tolerance.