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Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (17): 13-18.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2024-0564

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Phenotypic Genetic Diversity Analysis and Comprehensive Evaluation of 200 millet Germplasm Resources

LI Zhenjiao()   

  1. Yulin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yulin, Shaanxi 719000
  • Received:2024-09-27 Revised:2024-12-15 Online:2025-06-15 Published:2025-06-15

Abstract:

This study aimed to elucidate the genetic diversity and comprehensive agronomic performance of foxtail millet germplasm resources in Yulin City of Shaanxi, to support breeding programs. 200 geographically distinct millet accessions were evaluated using variation analysis, genetic diversity assessment, cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and correlation analysis. Phenotypic characterization revealed the predominant traits including green leaf sheaths, semi-erect plant architecture, conical panicles, medium panicle compactness, short bristles, and yellow grain coloration. Quantitative trait analysis demonstrated highly significant genetic variation (P<0.01), with the highest Shannon-Wiener diversity indices observed for panicle diameter (2.06) and single panicle weight (2.06), and the lowest for panicle length (1.96). Cluster analysis based on Euclidean distance and Ward’s method classified 63.5% of accessions into Cluster III. PCA extracted five principal components, accounting for 91.85% cumulative variance contribution. A weighted comprehensive evaluation (D-value) using membership functions identified ten superior cultivars, including ‘Jingu 45’, ranked by D-value. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant associations (P<0.01) between the D-value and five key traits, including plant height, panicle diameter, single panicle weight, panicle grain weight, and threshing percentage. These findings highlight the rich genetic diversity of Yulin’s millet germplasm. The top-ranked cultivars exhibit potential for regional promotion and breeding applications, while the five core traits serve as critical indicators for germplasm evaluation.

Key words: millet, germplasm resources, variation analysis, diversity analysis, cluster analysis, principal component analysis, correlation analysis, comprehensive evaluation