Diversity Analysis among Ethiopian Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Accessions Based on Morpho-agronomic Traits

Gizaw Wegayehu Tilahun *

Spice Research Program, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 489, Asella, Ethiopia.

Demis Fikre Limeneh

Spice Research Program, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 489, Asella, Ethiopia.

Dasta Tsagaye Galalcha

Spice Research Program, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 489, Asella, Ethiopia.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

A field experiment was carried out in the meher season (July–November 2021 and 2022) at Kulumsa, Southeastern Ethiopia. Genetic diversity study among the available genetic resources is the most important step in improving crops through selection or hybridization.  The aim of this study is to determine the magnitude of diversity among Ethiopian fenugreek accessions based on morpho-agronomic traits. Twenty-eight Ethiopian fenugreek accessions were arranged in a 4×7 alpha lattice design with three replicates. Fifteen morpho-agronomic traits of the fenugreek accessions showed highly significant differences (p≤0.01)) in the pooled analysis of variance. The first three principal components contributed 83.1% of the genotypic variation. The number of fertile pods plant-1, days to 50% flowering, number of primary branches plant-1, seed yield and number plant-1, and plant height are the most contributing characters for the total variation. The accessions were clustered into three; the first, second, and third accounted for 11, 6, and 11 accessions, respectively. Accessions grouped under cluster I was characterized by a late grain-filling period, a high primary branches plant-1, a long pod length, and a higher number of seeds plant-1. The second cluster accessions were early emerging but flowered and matured late, with short pod length and low yielders; however, cluster III accessions were high yielders, with higher fertile pods, seeds, and seed yield plant-1. The highest inter-cluster distances were observed between the I and III and I and II clusters. The first cluster was mostly responsible for the particularly heterotic returns and segregants that might result from hybridization between accessions included in this cluster. The findings have practical implications for breeding programs and stakeholders who are going to exploit the advantage of each accession in each cluster. The phenotypic and genotypic correlation, direct and indirect effects of the traits and the genetic variability and advance from selection for those accessions needs to be checked for inclusion in the next breeding program.

Keywords: Cluster, distance, principal component analysis


How to Cite

Tilahun, G. W., Limeneh, D. F., & Galalcha, D. T. (2025). Diversity Analysis among Ethiopian Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Accessions Based on Morpho-agronomic Traits. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, 8(1), 114–129. https://doi.org/10.56557/ajaas/2025/v8i157

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