Genetic Divergence and Clustering of Ethiopian Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Genotypes in South Wollo Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Authors : Yimam Ali ABTEW, Arega GASHAW, Alemu ABATE

Pages : 203-211

View : 13 | Download : 6

Publication Date : 2019-10-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Fenugreek is multipurpose plant originated in the Mediterranean region. Lack of information on phenotypic characteristic and association of traits are main problems in fenugreek production. Field experiment was conducted at Jamma district of South Wollo, Amhara National Regional State, in 2018/19 main rainy season to estimate genetic distance among Ethiopian fenugreek genotypes. Sixty two nationally collected fenugreek genotypes along with standard and local checks were evaluated in simple lattice design. Analysis of variance showed the presence of significant insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.05); difference among genotypes for most of the traits examined, indicating the presence of genetic variability. Seed yield ranged from 651 kg ha-1 to 2148 kg ha-1. A total of 30 and 35 genotypes had yield advantage up to 85 % and 98% than local and standard checks respectively. Genetic distances of fenugreek genotypes measured by Euclidean distance ranged from 9.6 to 73.07. Genotypes were grouped in to 6 major and 2 standalone clusters based on their genetic pedigree rather than geographical location, suggesting the presence of genetic variability and higher chance of developing varieties through direct selection or crossing of genotypes using distantly related genotypes to produce heterotic hybrids. Developing different breeding program in addition to yield and intensive direct selection of local collection of genotypes is used to improve the productivity of fenugreek.
Keywords : Clustering, Euclidean distance, Fenugreek, Simple lattice