Genetic divergence in wheat genotypes based on seed biochemical profiles appraised through agglomerative hierarchical clustering and association analysis among traits

For biochemical traits improvement, presence of variability has primary significance in plant breeding. Data of various seed biochemical constituents in 77 wheat genotypes were analysed for correlation and agglomerative hierarchical clustering to choose varieties and characters for future breeding program. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationship of catalase (CAT) with reducing sugars (RS), total soluble sugars (TSS), and total soluble proteins (TSP) while negative association with total phenolic content (TPC), protease and ascorbic acid (AsA). Peroxidase (POD) activity displayed highly significant positive correlation with superoxide dismutase (SOD), TPC, protease and AsA but showed negative correlation with malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Cluster analysis clustered all genotypes into four different groups. The D2 statistics confirmed highest distance between cluster- II and cluster-III whereas maximum similarity was found in cluster-III as well as cluster-IV. Hence, it is suggested that crosses between genotypes of cluster-II and cluster-III with those of cluster-III and cluster-IV may be chosen for wheat breeding program and for superior genotypes selection in subsequent population. (author)