TITLE:
Agromorphological Characterization of Amaranth Accessions
AUTHORS:
John R. Nzungize, Ouindyam C. Ouedraogo, Keriba Kante, Boubacar S. Tangara, Fatogoma Tanou, Boubaca Goro, Mariam Sogoba
KEYWORDS:
Accession, Amaranth, Morphology, Characterization
JOURNAL NAME:
Agricultural Sciences,
Vol.15 No.12,
December
2,
2024
ABSTRACT: A sound fundamental knowledge of the agro morphological characteristics of amaranth accessions is crucial for promoting their use in food. This review aims to assess the genetic diversity within the collection to understand the range of genetic variation. Thirty-two agromorphological parameters of Ten amaranth accessions were analyzed in Samanko conditions. Wide variability was present concerning leaf pigmentation (PigF), flower density index (IDF), seed color (CH), and Branching index (IR). Statistical analysis showed significant differences among accessions for morphological characters such as number of plants, leaf width, stem height, terminal inflorescence length of stem, axillary inflorescence length, 50% flowering and 1000 grain weight. It appears that the Axillary Inflorescence (LIA) and the Length of the Terminal Inflorescence are correlated (r = 0.82). Length of the inflorescence terminal of the stem (LITT) and the Length of the Terminal Basal Branches (LITBT) are associated (r = 0.75). Stem height presents a robust correlation (r = 0.447) with 50% flowering date. The length of the inflorescence Axillary was also highly correlated with the length of the inflorescence terminal of the stem (r = 0.904*). Ascending hierarchical classification revealed three distinct classes: C1: Madira 1, Madira 2, A2004, A2002; C2: TP5-sel, N’gourouma, Akeri, AC-NL; C3: AHTI, Akeri. “Akeri.” “TP5-sel,” and “N’gourouma” are associated with the weight of 1000 grains, the length of the terminal branches, and the shape of the terminal inflorescence. “Poly” and “AHTI” are quite similar and are associated with the parameters of the length of basal branches and length of a terminal inflorescence of the stem “Madira 1”; “Madira 2”, “A2004”, “A2002” on the correlation circle indicates that the height of the plants and the 50% flowering date. These results indicate a high possibility of genetic diversity among the amaranth accessions within the collection. The data can be exploited in future breeding programs to improve the species.