GENETIC-DIVERGENCE FOR INFESTATION OF CHRYSOMELID BEETLE (NISOTRA-ORBICULATA) IN KENAF (HIBISCUS-CANNABINUS)

Forty-two germplasms of kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus L.) collected earlie r from different parts of India and abroad were evaluated to study the genetic divergence for infestation of chrysomelid beetle [Nisotra orb iculata (Mots.)]. Data on average infestation at 3 different seedling stages were scored and were analysed following D-2 analysis. The strai ns were grouped into 9 different clusters, of which cluster IV accommo dated a large number of strains (15 strains) having different geograph ical origin. The clustering pattern of the varieties did not follow th e geographical origin. Genetic drift and selection in different enviro nments seems to cause greater diversity. Hybridization among the strai ns from diverse clusters may help in producing resistance to the chrys omelid beetle. The strains with low average infestation may be used as parents for backcross breeding.