Twenty three genotypes of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) were evaluated for grain yield, protein content and some other metric traits during 2005-06. Twelve characters were recorded in each genotype to compare the variability among them. Analysis of variance exhibited significant differences for days to maturity, clusters per plant, pods per clusters, pods per plant, harvest index and protein content indicated presence of genetic variability for these traits. Based on the different characteristics, genotypes were grouped into four clusters having 6 (K 75, KLS 221, L 4076,DPL 62, DPL 58, PL 406), 9 (IPL 306, NDL 2-3, IPL 304, KLB 148, HUL 57, KLB 2001, KLS 218, DPL 15, KLB 97-3), 1 (Precoz) and 7 (PL 639, KLS 219, KLS 133, KLB 86-11, FLIP 56-61, KLB 97-5, KLS 86-13) genotypes. Cluster I was characterized by better grain yield, protein content and most of the yield related traits except 1000 seed weight and branches per plant, while cluster III was represented by genotype (Precoz) having extra early maturity and extra bold seeded group. The genetic divergence was high between cluster I and III and low between cluster II and IV indicating their close relationship. The genotypes of divergent clusters such as cluster I and cluster III can be utilized in the crossing programme to produce better recombinants for development of varieties.
