Integrating Multivariate Analysis and DNA Barcoding for Amaranth Germplasm Characterization and Promising Genotype...

Area of Science:

• Agronomy and Plant Breeding
• Genetics and Genomics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a C4 plant with high nutritional and agronomic potential but remains underutilized.
• Previous germplasm studies often lacked integrated phenotypic and molecular approaches, and multivariate methods were not systematically applied.
• Species-specific selection indices for grain Amaranth are unexplored, hindering efficient breeding efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively characterize Amaranth genotypes using integrated multivariate biostatistics and DNA barcoding.
• To identify promising Amaranth genotypes and validate selection criteria for grain yield improvement.
• To explore species-specific genetic relationships and diversity within the Amaranth genus.

Main Methods:

• Field experiments evaluated 84 Amaranth genotypes across six agronomic traits in a randomized complete block design.
• DNA barcoding utilized chloroplast (psbA-trnH) and nuclear (ITS) markers for molecular characterization.
• Integrated multivariate analyses included ANOVA, path analysis, stepwise regression, Mahalanobis D2, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA).

Main Results:

• Significant genetic variability was observed, with grain yield showing the widest variation (CV = 28.55%).
• Early flowering, long inflorescences, and heavy seeds were key determinants of grain yield, explaining 27% of variation.
• Mahalanobis D2 identified nine outliers, with genotype G39 showing exceptional yield and desirable traits; molecular data confirmed genetic differentiation in outlier genotypes.

Conclusions:

• The integrated approach provides breeders with well-characterized Amaranth germplasm, validated selection criteria, and prioritized parental materials.
• Genotype G39 is a promising breeding candidate, and specific genotypes were identified as donors for plant architecture and seed size.
• Further multi-location and multi-season evaluations are recommended to confirm the stability and adaptability of promising Amaranth accessions.