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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. sp3 (2025): Advances in Plant Health Improvement for Sustainable Agriculture

Unraveling genetic variation: Correlation insights and principal component analysis in F3 generation of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.9383
Submitted
8 May 2025
Published
18-11-2025

Abstract

Understanding the significance of genetic variation in crop breeding programs is essential for improving agricultural productivity. This research delves into the genetic diversity within the F3 generation of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) and investigates the variation, correlation and interrelationships among various traits. Through the utilization of a diverse panel of F3 individuals, phenotypic data were collected for key agronomic traits, including plant height, days to 50 % flowering, number of leaves, flag leaf dimensions, panicle characteristics, seed weight and grain yield per plant. Genetic variability analysis revealed that panicle weight exhibited the highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), indicating significant genetic variability, while grain yield and number of leaves displayed moderate values of GCV and PCV, respectively. The highest genetic advance values were noted for panicle weight, number of leaves and grain yield, suggesting the presence of additive gene action. High heritability was detected for all the traits, except days to 50 % flowering, panicle length and 100-seed weight. The exploratory principal component analysis (PCA) retained PC1 to PC5 based on the scree plot. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations among traits, providing insights into potential pleiotropic effects and trait interdependencies. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into the genetic basis of important agronomic traits in sorghum and lay a foundation for targeted breeding strategies aimed at developing improved varieties with enhanced resilience and productivity.

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