Comparison among Clustering in Multivariate Analysis of Rice Using Morphological Traits, Physiological Traits and Simple Sequence Repeat Markers

A sample set of 21 rice varieties composed of 20 BRRI developed modern rice varieties and one local variety was selected to detect the genetic variation by using 13 morphological traits, 14 physiological traits and 34 SSR markers. All these three methods divide the varieties into five clusters and showed that there exist high genetic variations among the genotypes. Cluster analysis showed that there exists difference in grouping of varieties by morphological traits, physiological traits and SSR markers. Genotypes swapped among different clusters in different methods of clustering. In this study, SSR markers provides five clusters at 50% genetic similarity coefficient and it was found that grouping of genotypes corresponds well to their known pedigree data and aroma content. Physiological clustering was representation of photoperiod sensitivity, aroma producing ability and growth duration. It was also found that parent selections for breeding aspects using different methods differ from each other.