Diversity and grouping Iranian millet landraces based on agro-morphological traits

Document Type : scientific research article

Authors

1 Corresponding Author, Associate Prof., Dept. of Horticulture Crops Science Research, Khuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran

2 Instructor, Greenhouse and Controlled Evirnmenals Research Center (GCER), Horticultural Research Institute (HSRI), (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.

10.22069/jopp.2026.24318.3315

Abstract

Background and objectives: Information on germplasms characteristics held in plant gene banks is the first step for germplasm utilization. Small-grain millets, as plants with a short growth period and low water requirements, are one of the most suitable crops for fodder production due to climate change and water resource shortage. Therefore, this study investigates and evaluates the genetic diversity of agro-morphological traits in the collections of Iranian millet landraces held by the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran.



Materials and methods: Eighty-one accessions of foxtail millet (Setaria italic L.) and 169 accessions of common millet (Panicum milliaceum L.) were planted in two distinct lattice designs with 2 replications at the end of May, in 2022. Thirty-two agro-morphological traits, including plant height, days to flowering and ripening, forage and grain yield, shape and length of panicle and etc. were evaluated. Data were used in the analysis of variance, the analyses of correlation, regression, factor, and discriminate as well.

Results: In common millets, means of grain yield, days to flowering, and days to ripening were 2470.2 Kg/ha, 50.8 days, and 78.1 days, respectively. Plant height and panicle length differed from 48.8 to 105 cm and 5.5 to 34 cm, respectively. In foxtail millet, the mean grain yield was 2571 Kg/ha. Whereas, days to flowering and ripening were 61.7 and 93.5 days, respectively. In common millet, there were significant correlations between forage and grain yields with plant height (p<0.01, r=0.429) and leaf color (p<0.01, r= -0.422). In foxtail millet, grain yield showed a negative significant correlation with the number of flowering stems (p<0.01, r= -0.269), and a positive significant correlation with lodging susceptibility (p<0.01, r=0.375). Distribution of accessions was drawn in the produced bi-plot based on two first factors of factor analysis. Produced bi-plot based on two first functions of discriminate analysis distinguished forage, grain and dual-purpose of millet landraces in both species.

Conclusion: High degree of genetic diversity for the investigated traits in Iranian millet collections is comparable with those of world millet collections, so Iranian millet germplasm can be used in millet breeding programs. Correlation and regression analyses showed positive relationships between lodging susceptibility with grain and forage yields; therefore, to releasing new millet varieties, this finding should be considered. Finally, the produced bi-plots based on discriminate analysis revealed forage, grain, and dual-purpose germplasms in Iranian millet landraces that can be used to introduce new millet varieties in millet breeding programs.

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References

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Journal of Plant Production Research
Volume 33, Issue 2
September 2026
Pages 237-252

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