Mahalanobis D2 statistics was used to study the genetic diversity among 36 genotypes of sesame grown in the Kharif season of 2001. Observations recorded on ten characters revealed the wide genetic diversity of 36 genotypes. By applying Tocher's method, 36 genotypes were grouped into 7 clusters. The clustering pattern indicated that there was no relationship between genetic diversity and geographic diversity. Maximum intercluster distance was observed between clusters VI and VII (D-84.48). Genotypes having their divergence in between m+s and m-s were selected as parent which are supposed to give rise to higher frequency of heterotic crosses.

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