Genetic divergence analyses in tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) landraces based on morpho-agronomic traits

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is a gluten-free cereal crop mainly grown in Ethiopia. Knowledge of the nature and magnitude variation that exists breeding materials great importance for effective breeding. This study was designed to assess genetic divergence landrace collections using quantitative qualitative traits investigate important trait discriminating landraces. The experiment carried out at Adet Agricultural Research Center during rainy season 2019. Sixty-two landraces two improved varieties were laid an 8×8 simple lattice design. Data collected on 12 three traits. analysis variance detected significant (P≤ 0.05) panicle length biomass yield, highly 0.01) differences among rest 10 traits, indicating existence appreciable diversity can be exploited future programs. Cluster average linkage method grouped 64 genotypes into four clusters. highest inter-cluster distance recorded between clusters III IV; as result, from these could used parents crossing Principal components revealed first principal component axes accounted 75.12% total landraces, considered appropriate detect variation. finding also demonstrated grain harvest index, days heading, culm lodging index are higher contributors These most discrimination Overall, present confirmed presence substantial