2009. Genetic divergence in exotic maize germplasm (Zea mays L

The genetic divergence among exotic maize germplasm was assessed by employing Mahalanobis D2 analysis based on 14 characteristics. The genotypes were grouped into five clusters. Cluster V was the largest with 5 genotypes followed by cluster I and IV containing four genotypes each. The highest inter cluster distance was observed between cluster II and cluster V followed by cluster I and V suggesting more variability in genetic make up of the genotypes included in these clusters. Cluster II had highest mean values for days to 50 percent tasseling, days to 50 percent silking, plant height, ear height, ear length, grains per row, harvest index and protein content. Qualitative characters contributed maximum to wards genetic divergence. Based on inter cluster distances genotypes present in cluster I, II and IV are advisable to used as parents for hybridization programme to develop desirable types in maize