KULDEEP SINGH DANGIVINDLA SRIDHAR2019-07-262019-07-262003D6968http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810117019pes were evaluated to study genetic divergence, character association and path coefficient analysis. The experiment was laid out at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Hyderabad during rabi 2002-03. Data were recorded on fourteen characters including three physiological parameters. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Based on Mahalanobis D' analysis the 44 genotypes were grouped into nine clusters. The pattern of distribution of genotypes into various clusters revealed that there was no relationship between geographical distribution and genetic diversity. Greater genetic divergence found between cluster V1 and VIII, suggested exploitation of these two clusters by intermating the genotypes in a definite breeding design to explore the fullest range of heterosis and to realize good recombinant lines. The genotypes IB-5, 1258-1 -1 -9 (cluster I), GP 10 1 1 (cluster Ill), 1202-5- 1-3 (cluster lV), Acc No. 153 (cluster V) could be considered for recombination breeding in order to get desirable segregants with higher yield potential. The character association studies indicated that seed yield was positively correlated with head diameter, number of filled seed per head, total d~y matter per plant, leaf area index, seed filling percentage, 1 00-seed weight, harvest index, plant height and number of leaves per plant. However, oil content exhibited significant negative association with seed yield per plant. I'ath coeK~cierlt analysis revealed that the cliaracters; filled seeds per head, 100-seed weight, total dry matter per plant, leaf area index, harvest index, number of leaves per plant and days to maturity had positive direct effect on seed yield per plant, while, days to 50 per cent flowering, head diameter, seed filling percentage, oil content and plant height showed negative direct effects. The results of the study suggested that the characters viz., filled seeds per head, 100-seed weight, total dry matter per plant, leaf area index could be given emphasis for isolation of desirable genotypes, with high genetic potential for seed yield coupled with high physiological efficiency.ennullThesis