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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. 4 (2025)

Integrating genetic diversity and principal component analysis for trait-based selection in niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.) genotypes

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.11503
Submitted
27 August 2025
Published
30-10-2025 — Updated on 11-11-2025
Versions

Abstract

Niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.) is an important oilseed crop cultivated in rainfed areas of India, yet its productivity remains low due to limited genetic improvement. The present study evaluated 42 breeding lines for morphological diversity and trait contribution using principal component analysis (PCA). Cluster analysis using Tocher’s method grouped the genotypes into six distinct clusters, indicating substantial genetic variability. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between Clusters IV and VI, suggesting wide divergence suitable for
hybridization. PCA revealed that the first 5 principal components accounted for 92.80 % of the total variation, with PC1 (57.93 %) associated with yield-related traits (seed yield, branches and biological yield) and PC2 (16.51 %) with phenological traits (days to flowering, days to maturity and plant height). Mahalanobis D² analysis grouped the genotypes into 7 distinct clusters, with oil content contributing the most to genetic divergence (87.92 %), followed by biological yield and thousand grain weight. Maximum inter-cluster distances were observed between Clusters II and VI (164.99) and Clusters IV and VI (131.93), indicating these combinations as potential sources for generating superior recombinants. Integration of PCA and cluster results identified JCN-29, JCN-30, JCN-34 and JCN-31 as promising genotypes for both high yield and adaptability. This combined approach provides a reliable basis for parent selection in niger breeding programs.

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