Estimation of Genetic Divergence in Thamnocalamus falconeri Hook f. ex Munro Accessions

Chandrakant Tiwari1*, Dinesh Gupta2, Ritik Roshan1, Meena Bakshi3, Balaji Vikram4, Md. Nasir5 and Sanjeev Kumar2

Abstract

An essential tool for researchers looking to further explore the variability present in a species' genetic resources is the examination of diversity in germplasm.  In breeding programs, the calculation of genetic divergence aids in identifying the various genotypes that are susceptible to producing heterosis. Given that combining different groups will enhance the variability and range of frequency distribution, having a thorough grasp of the degree of divergence for economic features in the species will be advantageous. T. falconeri is found in the western Himalaya between Jammu and Nepal at elevations of 1700m - 2400 meters. It is extensively utilized in basketry, which greatly enhances the standard of living for impoverished rural residents and artisans. The present investigation was carried out on the basis of 51 vegetative traits to estimate Genetic divergence and various parameters of variability viz., Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), Environment coefficient of variation (ECV), Heritability, Genetic gain and Genetic advance. The genetic divergence revealed that maximum contribution was impacted by clump circumference followed by number of culms then no. of young shoots and minimum for culm sheath area. The manuscript concludes that the traits viz. clump circumference, number of culms, number of young shoots and culm height could be exploited as selection criteria for future bamboo breeding programs of the species.