Analysis of the genetic diversity of morphological traits of oat germplasms

Abstract

[Objective] The study of genetic diversity in oat germplasm resources not only contributes to the collection and evaluation of germplasm resources, but also has important guiding significance for the production and breeding of oats. [Methods] This study analyzed the diversity, variation, and clustering of 20 morphological traits in 260 oat germplasm resources, evaluated the genetic variation level of their morphological traits, and examined the traits and genetic diversity of oat germplasm resources, aiming to provide a basis for oat germplasm innovation and variety improvement. [Results] There was a significant genetic diversity of morphological traits in the 260 oat germplasm resources. The genetic diversity index of the qualitative traits was the highest in grain color (1.53) and the lowest in awn color (0.76). The genetic diversity index of the 12 quantitative traits was normally distributed, and that of the quantitative traits was the largest in thousand grain weight (2.03) and the smallest in effective tillers (1.22). The highest variable coefficient was the effective tillering number (89.02%), while the lowest was the plant height (11.19%). According to genetic difference of each characteristic varieties, the 260 accessions should be classified into 6 categories by cluster analysis. Germplasm group Ⅰ included 42 accessions which could be used as parent materials for seed type selection. Germplasm group Ⅱ had 31 accessions that could be used as parent materials for breeding high-yield forage varieties. Germplasm group Ⅳ includes 41 accessions that could be used for breeding large grain varieties. Germplasm group Ⅴ includes 46 accessions that could be used as parents for oat dwarfing. Germplasm group Ⅲ included 46 accessions and group Ⅵ included 54 accessions, and both were not outstanding in comprehensive characters analyzed. [Conclusion] This study could provide theoretical basis for the protection, development and utilization of oat germplasm resources in eastern Inner Mongolia.

Keywords

• oat
• germplasm resource
• morphological traits
• genetic diversity