Biotechnological and breeding values from variability studies among Spinach (Amaranthus hybridus) collections in Pakistan

Abstract

This work was carried out to assess the biotechnological and breeding values from variation that exist among spinach (Amaranthus hybridus) collections. A total of sixty (60) accessions were collected from five (5) different markets and planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) structure. Data was collected on fifty (50) characters (21 qualitative characters and 29 quantitative characters) and subjected to Multivariate Statistical analysis on the Minitab 16.0 software. The results show a wider variety of variability in the majority of the quantitative traits. Percentage germination ranged from 20 to 100% (mean= 51.97±3.83, CV=45.37%). Vigor index ranged from 27.50 to 480.00 (mean =133.70 ± 15.90, CV% = 73.10%). Average number of spikes/plant and spike weight were 135.30 ± 38.60 and 35.70 ± 11.50 respectively. Number of branches, Spike weight and Number of spikes produced are the top three most variable characters based on CV values. Stem pigmentation and spike color gave slight variation among qualitative characters. Accessions with good breeding qualities were selected. Correlation analysis showed relatedness and association among some of the character studied as number of seeds and spikes per plant were highly and positively correlated (r=+0.98). Cluster analysis gave rise to 2 distinct groups with each group demonstrating similarities and differences in characters with a promise for use in cultivar development. The most divergent collections were found in the (AHWD1 and AHWD2) and (AHRM3) markets the distinct groups might serve as propagation lines for improvement of genetic variability in plants through cross-breeding. Thus, the observed variability could be explored in the biotechnological research of the crop in the overall goal of food security