Chracterization of genetic diversity and germplasm classification is of great importance in suitable parental selection for breeding purposes. Forty nine Iranian and foreign rice entries were investigated through a simple lattice square design in 2001 in Tonekabon Agricultural College. Electrophoretic data of storage proteins as well as morphological traits were employed for evaluation of genetic variability and classification of a group of collected Iranian and foreign rice varieties. Statistical analysis of morphological data indicated a significant difference between genotypes for all studied traits. The estimated broadsense heritability of traits ranged from 88% for total tiller and flag leaf width, to 99% for number of days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. Cluster analysis by Ward method for agronomic traits and UPGMA method for electrophoretic data divided genotypes into four and five groups accordingly. Classification based upon electrophoretic data, like cluster analysis based on morphological data, to a great extent separated traditional local varieties from other varieties. Close similarity was observed between results from agronomical & electrophoretical classification. This comparison indicated that, electrophoretic data of storage proteins can be a complement for morphological data. In conclusion, reiteration of such trials with more traits is recommended for more accurate results.
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