Phenotypic Diversity Analysis and Comprehensive Evaluation of 143 Agropyron Germplasm Resources in Inner Mongolia,China
A total of 143 germplasm resources of Agropyron genus,which were collected from 10 cities and regions in Inner Mongolia,China,were studied for phenotypic variations at 17 traits.Appraise were performed using the coefficient of variation,genetic diversity index,correlation,principal component,clustering and grey correlation analysis,and elite germplasm resources were identified.The results showed that the 17 phenotypic traits had great variation and rich genetic diversity.The coefficient of variation ranged from 11.47%to 93.92%,with an average of 42.80%.The coefficient of variation of leaf width was the highest,and the dispersion of seed length was the lowest.The genetic diversity index(H')ranged from 1.279 to 2.025,with an average of 1.721.The diversity index of glume length was the highest,and lowest for spikelet length.There were correlations among 17 phenotypic traits to varying degrees.The contribution rate of the first six principal component factors was 5.934%-20.885%,with the cumulative contribution rate of 69.866%.These germplasms were divided into three groups by cluster analysis.Cluster I had the best comprehensive traits,with prominent spikelet number and floret number,and high yield potential,including 27 accessions.Cluster Ⅱ,containing 23 accessions,had general traits and higher seed traits.Cluster Ⅲ was poor in general character with higher plant height,containing 93 accessions.By taking use of the grey correlation method to evaluate these germplasm,these traits including the 1000-grain weight,spikelet number,leaf tongue length,leaf width and leaf area could be deployed as indexes in germplasm evaluation.Elite germplasm resources showing coordinated comprehensive traits such as A.cristatum accessions 18,22,23,24,25,35,43,as well as A.cristatum var.pluriflorum accessions 92,136 and 142,can be used for genetic improvement and breeding of ice grass.