GENETIC DIVERGENCE IN TARAMIRA (ERUCA SATIVA L.) GERMPLASM BASED ON QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE CHARACTERS

The breeding potential of the Eruca sativa (Taramira) genotypes held in IABGR gene-bank has not been exploited to date. A total of 100 Eruca sativa genotypes collected from various eco-geographical regions of Pakistan were assessed to estimate the phenotypic diversity for 20 quantitative and 5 qualitative characters. A significant level of morphological diversity was recorded among quantitative and qualitative traits. The correlation coefficient analysis suggested that many traits had significant positive correlation with seed yield. Cluster analysis recognized four major clusters. Cluster analysis suggested that genotypes were mainly grouped due to their morphological dissimilarities. These results point out a number of valuable traits in the gene pool and a huge phenotypic variation that offers a fine basis of diversity for the selections of best Taramira accessions. Our findings have an important application for Eruca sativa germplasm evaluation, improvement, classification and preservation in Pakistan.