Study of genetic variability and diversity analysis in maize (Zea mays L.) by agglomerative hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis

The most comprehensive study was undertaken to investigate genetic variability, character association studies and diversity analysis for yield attributing traits in sixty-five maize genotypes along with five checks raised Augmented block design II observations were recorded on fourteen morphological traits. For all the traits, of variance revealed significant variance. PCV GCV high anthesis silking interval. High advance as per cent mean heritability interval, number tassel branches, cob length, plant height height. This showed effectiveness selection these Character confirmed that grain had a positive kernel rows cob, kernels row, breadth, 100 seed weight, shelling percentage implies by selecting can be improved significantly. Path attributed direct effect single yield. Consequently, an emphasis could lead successful identification higher yielding genotypes. Based agglomerative hierarchical clustering, UMI1113, UMI1153, UMI 653-2-3, UMI1131-5 UMI1076-5-4-2 used parental lines hybridization programme. PCA biplot placement height, mostly contributed towards variability. Furthermore, should assessed their general combining ability specific generate stable superior hybrids better performance. Keywords: Genetic association,