Studies on genetic divergence and screening of parental lines for Rf3 and Rf4 genes through molecular markers in hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Sixty four parental lines of hybrid rice were evaluated for genetic divergence by taking into account nine traits during two seasons year 2018. By resolving the ten groups, Ward's clustering method demonstrated having significant diversity. Cluster X had most (13) out all clusters, followed cluster II (12 genotypes). The line clusters IX, VIII, VII, V, and IV, which correspond to SD-5, SD-2, HSRV-16, GR-37, SD-39, respectively, showed degree variability. Screening fertility restoration was done in 64 with the help of SSR molecular markers. Among them, 44 potential restorers identified (Rf4 Rf3 present) with a hundred percentage efficiency supported screening. number productive tillers per plant, length panicle grains significantly correlated trait grain yield plant. Path analysis that panicle, test weight positive direct effects on indicating selection these contributing could lead an improvement single plant as whole. Keywords: Genetic Diversity, Character Association, Fertility Restoration.