Systematic Analysis of Genotypic Diversity in Niger (Guizotia Abyssinica (L. F.) Cass)

Abstract

Agromorphologcal variation in the Niger germplasm was estimated using seven morphological and agronomic descriptors to characterize and identified genetic diversity a total of 25 Niger genotype were collected from the Niger growing area this collection was evaluated for seed yield, yield related and morphological characters . A great amount of variation was recorded for 7 morphologic and agronomic traits. Multivariate analysis were performed in order to establish similarity and dissimilarity patterns principal component (PC) analysis revealed that first three PC explained 43.4% of the total multivariate while the PC area explaining 69.9%. The developmental characters where the major determinate of the genetic diversity in the collection. Cluster analysis identified six main clusters based on agro morphological characters identified the diversity could mainly be attributed to diverse agro climatic condition. Single plant selection was made from these population based on different agronomic characteristics and yield potential. These results have an important implication for Niger germplasm characterization improvement, agomophological evaluation and conservation.