Abstract
Characterization of existing genetic variability is a prerequisite for further crop improvement activity. This study was designed to assess genetic variability among randomly selected Ethiopian mustard (Brassica Carinata A. Braun) genotypes from different agro ecology of Ethiopia. The present study was undertaken to determine nature of association of agronomic traits of 36 Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) genotypes at Adet Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in simple lattice design with two replications. Cluster analysis revealed that the 36 genotypes were grouped in 14 distinct clusters. The maximum average intra cluster D2 was obtained in cluster VI (D2=492.03), whereas the lowest D2 was recorded in cluster XII (D2=159.94), which shows the presence of less genetic variability or diversity within these clusters; principal component analysis revealed that ten PCs (PC1 - PC10), which are extracted from the original data and having latent roots greater than one, accounted for just about 90.5% of the total variation.
Key words: Cluster analysis, Ethiopian mustard, genetic divergence, principal component analysis.
