Identification of Promising Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) Genotypes Through Multivariate Analysis of Quantitative and...

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a pseudocereal with high nutritional value and tolerance to abiotic stresses, essential for food security; however, its use in Boyacá, Colombia, is limited due to a lack of genetic studies. This research aimed to characterize the morpho-agronomic properties of 11 cultivars under greenhouse conditions in Tunja, Boyacá. Six quantitative variables and 19 qualitative descriptors were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and mixed multivariate clustering. The results revealed a wide phenotypic variability, with leaf width (33.15%) and leaf length (31.21%) showing the highest coefficients of variation. Significant positive correlations were identified between leaf dimensions and plant height, while pigmentation in leaves, stems, and inflorescences proved to be the most discriminating characteristic. The mixed cluster analysis classified the genotypes into six distinct groups, highlighting genotype 10 as the most promising material due to its estimated yield (642.94 kg/ha) and 1000 seed weight (0.91 g), followed by genotypes 2 and 8. It is concluded that there is a high genetic potential in the evaluated materials, and the use of the outstanding genotypes in multi-site field trials is recommended to strengthen regional plant breeding programs.