Abstract

The genetic divergence among twenty-three pear genotypes under the present study was of medium quantum. The studied genotypes, on the basis of total variability were grouped into three distinct clusters. Maximum number of cultivars were accommodated in Cluster II (Ishiwase, Seckel, Anjou, Beurre Hardy, Lisnova Karavista, Jargonelle, Kala Hathi, Autumn of Yaklove, Kashmir Pear, Hengal, Flemish Beauty, Awal Number and Basuidse Favourite) followed by Cluster III (William Bon Chrétien, Luhimtsa Kalapa, Manning Elizabeth, Red Bartlett, Max Red Bartlett and Starkrimson) and Cluster I (Kiskusui, Yakumo, Bodde Cappiament and Nouveau Poiteau). Cluster II had highest intra cluster value and was therefore the most divergent and Cluster III had least intra cluster value so was least divergent. Highest value for inter cluster distance was recorded between Cluster I and III while it was lowest between Cluster I and II. Cluster means were maximum in Cluster II. Kala Hathi was found to be best cultivar for fruit yield/tree and tree height while Red Bartlett was for fruit length and breadth. Cultivars Beuree Hardy and Ishiwase proved best for different vegetative characters.

Key words: Pear, Pyrus commmunis L., cluster analysis, D² statistics, genetic divergence.