Genetic studies for biochemical and quantitative characters in grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.)

Twenty six accessions of grain Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) were evaluated for salient biochemical and quantitative traits particularly reference to chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, phenol content, leaf moisture, leaf protein content, test weight and yield plant. Genetic divergence and association among these traits were analysed. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and phenol content showed significantly higher values for all the accessions studied indicating thereby that these accessions can be successfully utilized for the improvement of these characters in this crop. Leaf protein content revealed exceptional attributes for ameliorating protein deficiency strictly in the diet of vegetarian people. Leaf protein content was noted significant in four accessions, namely AG-67/1 (3.152 mg g), AG-21 (2.452 mg g), AG-306 (2.101 mg g) and AG-1175 (2.101 mg g). Accessions with more leaf protein have potential to increase nutritional value and can be utilized for vegetable purposes. However, knowledge about amaranth leaf composition is still marginal. Using Euclidean cluster analysis 26 accessions were distributed in 3 clusters (at 9.0 euclidean distance) of which cluster I contained maximum (13) accessions, cluster II (10) and cluster III (3) accessions. The determination of chemical composition of leaf is necessary for variety evaluation, on the basis of high nutritive value for human diet. Biochemical characters had no significant genetic association with grain yield plant which revealed that biochemical traits can be improved without altering grain yield. Cluster I and III were found more diverse than others and therefore can be used for developing recombinants.