ABSTRACT Iron and zinc deficiency is one of the main problems affecting vulnerable populations in the Colombian Caribbean, thereby generating malnutrition from the consumption of foods with low content of essential minerals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genotype-environment interaction for iron and zinc accumulation in grains in 10 cowpea bean genotypes by additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model and to select the most stable ones to stimulate their planting or as parents in the genetic improvement program. Nine promising lines and a commercial control were evaluated using the randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and four replications in 10 environments of the northern Colombia in the second semester of 2017 and first of 2018. The adaptability and stability analysis was done using AMMI model. The results showed highly significant differences at the level of environments, genotypes, and genotype-environment interaction for iron and zinc, demostrating a differential adaptability of genotypes in the test environments. Genotypes 2 and 3 expressed greater adaptability and stability for iron contents in the seed; while genotype 1, recorded it for zinc contents. These three genotypes outperformed the commercial control and, therefore, can be recommended for planting or be used as parents in the genetic improvement program.

RESUMO A deficiência de ferro e zinco é um dos principais problemas que afeta populações vulneráveis do Caribe colombiano, gerando desnutrição pelo consumo de alimentos com baixos conteúdos de minerais essenciais. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a interação genótipo x ambiente para acumulação de ferro e zinco nos grãos em 10 genótipos de feijão-caupi por meio do o modelo de efeitos principais aditivos e interação multiplicativa (AMMI) e selecionar os mais estáveis para estimular o plantio ou como parentais no programa de melhoramento genético. Nove linhas promissoras e um controle comercial foram avaliados usando o delineamento em blocos ao acaso com 10 tratamentos e quatro repetições em 10 ambientes do norte da Colômbia no segundo semestre de 2017 e primeiro de 2018. A análise de adaptabilidade e estabilidade foi realizada utilizando o modelo AMMI. Os resultados mostraram diferenças altamente significativas a nível de ambientes, genótipos e interação genótipo-ambiente para ferro e zinco, demonstrando uma adaptabilidade diferencial dos genótipos nos ambientes de teste. Os genótipos 2 e 3 expressaram maior adaptabilidade e estabilidade para o teor de ferro nos grãos; enquanto o genótipo 1, registrou-o para o teor de zinco. Esses três genótipos superaram o controle comercial e, portanto, podem ser recomendados para o plantio ou serem usados como parentais no programa de melhoramento genético.

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to evaluate the morphometry, viability and germination of B. hispida seeds, at the Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia. Eight biometric characteristics were measured in a sample of seeds taken at random from a balanced compound originating from 50 fruits. The external and internal morphological description was made on a sample of 10 seeds. Seed viability was estimated by the tetrazolium test, using the combination of two staining times (2 and 3 hours) and three concentrations of (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%), under a design completely randomized, with six treatments and four repetitions of 50 seeds. The germination test (PRUGER) was performed in a mesh house with four repetitions of 50 seeds to estimate eight physiological parameters of germination. The morpho-metric characteristics of thickness, length and width of seeds showed reduced phenotypic variation, compared with the weight, density and volume of a seed, with variation coefficients greater than 11.7%. The seed, ovoid and flattened, presents an embryo with its cotyledons wrapped in a protective membrane. The viability, determined with tetrazolium, was 89.5-96.5%, while the PRUGER was 100%, with no statistical differences between them (P≥0.05). The combination of 0.5% tetrazolium with 2 hours is sufficient to determine the viability of the seed. Germination elapsed from 6 to 19 days after sowing, with a germination speed index of 0.22, average daily germination of 5.26%, peak value of 5.33 and germination value of 28.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la morfometría, viabilidad y germinación de semillas de B. hispida, en la Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia. Se midieron ocho características biométricas en una muestra de semillas tomadas al azar de un compuesto balanceado originado de 50 frutos. La descripción morfológica externa e interna se hizo en una muestra de 10 semillas. La viabilidad de semillas se estimó mediante la prueba de tetrazolio, usando la combinación de dos tiempos de tinción (2 y 3 horas) y tres concentraciones de (0,5; 1,0 y 1,5%), bajo un diseño completamente al azar, con seis tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones de 50 semillas. La prueba de germinación (PRUGER) se realizó en casa malla con cuatro repeticiones de 50 semillas para estimar ocho parámetros fisiológicos de germinación. Las características morfo-métricas grosor, longitud y ancho de semillas mostraron reducida variación fenotípica, en comparación con el peso, densidad y volumen de una semilla, con coeficientes de variación mayores que 11,7%. La semilla, ovoide y aplanada, presenta un embrión con sus cotiledones envueltos en una membrana protectora. La viabilidad, determinada con tetrazolio, fue de 89,5-96,5%, mientras que la PRUGER fue de 100%, sin diferencias estadísticas entre ellas (P≥0,05). La combinación de 0,5% de tetrazolio con 2 horas, son suficientes para determinar la viabilidad de semilla. La germinación transcurrió desde los 6 hasta los 19 días después de la siembra, con índice de velocidad germinativa de 0,22, germinación diaria media de 5,26%, valor pico de 5,33 y valor germinativo de 28.

RESUMO A identificação de genótipos Vigna unguiculata com elevado conteúdo proteico, baseada na interação genótipo-ambiente, tem um impacto positivo em locais onde o acesso à proteína animal para consumo humano é deficiente e custoso. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o conteúdo de proteínas no grão de 10 genótipos de V. unguiculata em cinco ambientes na Região Caribe da Colômbia. Foi utilizado um desenho de bloco completo aleatório com quatro repetições em cada sítio. A análise da interação genótipo-ambiente (GEI) foi realizada utilizando os modelos AMMI (efeitos principais aditivos e interação multiplicativa) e SREG (regressão em sítios) nos quais os principais efeitos dos genótipos (G) + GEI fazem parte do termo bi linear do modelo. Os modelos AMMI e SREG e os seus biplots foram úteis na análise e interpretação do conteúdo proteico de experimentos conduzidos em múltiplos ambientes. O modelo AMMI identificou os genótipos 1, 4 e 8 como os mais adaptáveis e estáveis, e os ambientes Montería (MO7B), Mahates (MA7B) e Cereté (CE7B) como os mais favoráveis. O modelo SREG identificou um potencial mega ambiente constituído pelos ambientes PN7B, MA7B e CE7B, em que os genótipos 1, 2 e 3 mostraram maior adaptabilidade e estabilidade, enquanto o genótipo 8 mostrou adaptabilidade específica no MO7B. Em ambos os modelos, os genótipos 6, 7 e 10 não mostraram adaptabilidade e estabilidade nos ambientes estudados.

ABSTRACT Identification of cowpea genotypes with high protein content for specific environments, based on the genotype-environment interaction, has a positive impact in places where access to protein for human consumption is deficient. The objective of the study was to analyze the protein content of 10 cowpea bean genotypes in five environments in the Caribbean Region of Colombia. The randomized complete block design with four replications at each site was used. The analysis of the genotype-environment interaction (GEI) was performed using the AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction) and SREG (regression in sites) models, in which the main effects of genotypes (G) + GEI are part of the bilinear term of the model. The AMMI and SREG models and their biplots were useful in the analysis and interpretation of the protein content of cowpea beans from experiments carried out in multiple environments. The AMMI model identified genotypes 1, 4 and 8 as those with the greatest adaptability and stability, and the Montería (MO7B), Mahates (MA7B) and Cereté (CE7B) environments as the most favorable. The SREG model identified a potential mega-environment constituted by the PN7B, MA7B and CE7B environments, in which genotypes 1, 2 and 3 presented greater adaptability and stability, while genotype 8 showed specific adaptability in MO7B. In both models, genotypes 6, 7 and 10 showed absence of adaptability and stability in the studied environments.

Resumen En Córdoba, Montería, Colombia, la pobreza llega al 67,8%, con un subconsumo de alimentos generalizado en la región y se calcula que, en promedio, el consumo diario de calorías es inferior en 18,7%, por lo cual, es necesario conocer las características bromatológicas y factores anti nutricionales de materias primas regionales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar nutricionalmente 43 genotipos de frijol caupí y cuantificar el ácido fítico de los mejores cultivares, a partir del fósforo orgánico suponiendo que una molécula de este ácido contenía seis moléculas de fósforo, en relación con el contenido de proteína y minerales. Los genotipos provenían del Programa de Mejoramiento Genético de la Universidad de Córdoba; la investigación se desarrolló desde el año 2012 al 2014. El testigo Criollo Córdoba tuvo el valor más alto en el contenido de ácido fítico (12,267±2,15 mg/g) y el cultivar L042 el más bajo (9,630±1,725 mg/g), lo que indica una mejoría en la biodisponibilidad de los minerales. El contenido de proteína tuvo un rango entre 22,05%±0,82 a 26,90%±1,76, y con mayor contenido las líneas L047, L042, L026, L029, L019 y L002. La cantidad de hierro varió entre 59,54%±24 y 77-177,90%±122,20, sobresaliendo los cultivares L042, L020, L001, L005, L057 y L047, que superaron al testigo. Los genotipos evaluados presentaron diferencias significativas (p≤0,05) en el contenido de fósforo y sus valores variaron de 4,64%±0,43 a 5,69%±0,38; ningún cultivar superó al testigo. En contenido de zinc, los cultivares no presentaron diferencias significativas (p≥0,05), y varió entre 43,46%±4,75 y 53,38%±10,81. El cultivar L042 fue el mejor en características nutricionales y de menor contenido de ácido fítico como sustancia anti nutricional, requeridas para sustituir las variedades de frijol caupí que se consumen actualmente.

Abstract In Cordoba, Monteria, Colombia, poverty reaches 67.8% of the population, with a generalized food under consumption in the region, and it is estimated that on average, the daily calorie intake is lower than an 18.7%, so, it is necessary to know the qualitative characteristics and the anti-nutritional factors of regional raw materials. The objective of this study was to nutritionally characterize 43 genotypes of cowpea beans and to quantify the phytic acid of the best cultivars based on the study of organic phosphorus content on the samples, assuming that one molecule of this acid contains six molecules of phosphorus, in relation to the protein content and minerals. The genotypes that were used came from Córdoba’s University Genetic Improvement Program; the investigation was developed between 2012 to 2014. The Criollo Córdoba bean sample, which was used as a control, had the highest value in phytic acid content of (12.267 ± 2.15 mg/g) and the cultivar L042 had the lowest phytic acid content (9.630 ± 1.725 mg/g). ), which indicates an improvement in the bioavailability of minerals. The protein content had a range between 22.05% ± 0.82 to 26.90% ± 1.76, and the lines L047, L042, L026, L029, L019 and L002 showed a higher content. The iron amount varied between 59.54% ± 24 and 77-177.90% ± 122.20, excelling in the cultivars L042, L020, L001, L005, L057 and L047, which exceeded the control sample. The tested genotypes showed significant differences (p≤0.05) in phosphorus content and values ranged from 4.64 ± 0.43 to 5.69% ± 0.38%; no cultivar surpassed the control sample. In zinc content, cultivars showed no significant differences (p≥0.05), and ranged between 43.46% ± 4.75 and 10.81 ± 53.38%. L042 cultivar was the best in nutritional and lower phytic acid content as antinutritional substance required to replace the currently consumed varieties of cowpea beans.

Foram avaliados 24 genótipos (híbridos, cultivares e variedades locais) de berinjela quanto às características produtivas no Caribe Colombiano para quantificar a divergência genética entre estes e indicar possíveis cruzamentos. Visa-se dar início a um programa de melhoramento genético da cultura na região, considerando a divergência genética e as características agronômicas desses genótipos. Utilizou-se delineamento em blocos casualizados, com três repetições. As variáveis estudadas foram comprimento do fruto, número de frutos por planta, massa média do fruto, rendimento, firmeza do fruto e altura da planta. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância univariada e estatísticas multivariadas utilizando-se diferentes métodos de agrupamento hierárquico e as variáveis canônicas. As médias foram agrupadas pelo teste de Scott-Knott. Verificou-se elevada divergência entre os genótipos estudados. Quando se considerou isoladamente os híbridos, as cultivares e as variedades locais, observou-se maior variabilidade entre os híbridos seguido das cultivares e, por fim, das variedades locais. O método UPGMA foi mais fidedigno no agrupamento que os métodos Ward e Vizinho Mais Próximo, pois obteve maior valor de Coeficiente de Correlação Cofenética. Pelos critérios pseudo-F e pseudo-t² verificou-se que o ponto de máximo foi atingido quando da formação de quatro grupos, sendo este considerado o número ideal de grupos para o UPGMA. Houve concordância entre os grupos formados pelo UPGMA e pelas variáveis canônicas. Com os resultados pode-se inferir que os cruzamentos CC08 x CC02; CC08 x EU01 e CC08 x C016 têm grande potencial visando à produção e a firmeza do fruto.

We evaluated 24 genotypes (hybrids, cultivars and landraces) of eggplant related to yield traits in the Colombian Caribbean region, to quantify the genetic divergence among these genotypes and to indicate possible crosses. With the results of the genetic diversity and agronomic traits we intend to initiate a program of eggplant breeding in that region. A randomized block design with three replications was used. The analyzed variables were fruit length, number of fruits per plant, mean fruit weight, yield, fruit firmness and plant height. The data were submitted to variance analysis and the averages grouped by Scott-Knott test. A multivariate analysis was also performed using different methods of hierarchical clustering and canonical variables. There was high divergence among the studied genotypes even when considered within hybrids, cultivars and landraces, with highest variability among the cultivars and hybrids followed by the landraces. The UPGMA method was more reliable than Ward and Single Linkage methods since UPGMA presented greater value of Cophenetic Correlation Coefficient (CCC). Using pseudo-F and pseudo-t² criteria the maximum point was reached when four clusters were formed, being considered the ideal number of groups for the UPGMA. There was agreement among the groups formed for UPGMA analysis and canonic variables. Crosses between CC08 x CC02; CC08 x EU01 and CC08 x C016 may be recommended to start an eggplant breeding program aiming to improve yield and fruit firmness.

En Colombia, el arroz ocupa el primer lugar en seguridad alimentaria, valor económico y generación de empleo entre los cultivos anuales, siendo el sistema bajo riego más importante. El objetivo fue determinar el progreso, estabilidad y adaptabilidad del rendimiento de arroz bajo riego, en cinco departamentos del caribe colombiano. Se utilizaron datos del Ministerio de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural, correspondiente a los Departamentos de Córdoba, Bolívar, Magdalena, Cesar y Guajira, durante el periodo 1987-2008. La estimación del progreso del rendimiento se realizó a través del análisis de regresión lineal entre los años (variable explicativa) y el rendimiento de grano (variable explicada). La estabilidad se determinó a través del coeficiente de variación para tres períodos consecutivos de cinco años y el último de siete. La adaptabilidad, se realizó con el coeficiente de regresión lineal (bi). Los resultados destacan que el progreso en el rendimiento de grano en el Caribe colombiano, osciló entre 1.15% y 3.36% por año y 52.2 y 168.1 kg.ha-1, especialmente en el Departamento de Bolívar (3.36% por año y 168.1 kg.ha-1). La estabilidad, resultó en general alta (CV<15.56%) y se incrementó con los años. Los cinco departamentos, presentaron adaptabilidad general (bi>4.57) para el rendimiento de grano.

In Colombia, the rice crop under irrigation system ranks first in food security, economic value and employment offer among annual crops, becoming the most important. The objective of this study was to quantify increasing, stability and adaptability of irrigated rice in five departments of the Colombian Caribbean area. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for the departments of Cordoba, Bolivar, Magdalena, Cesar and Guajira, during the year period 1987 to 2008 were used. The increasing in yield was determined using the linear regression analysis among years (independent variable) and grain yield (dependent variable) in each department. The yield stability was determined by the coefficient of variation across of three consecutive periods of five years and the last seven years. The yield adaptability was estimated using linear regression coefficient (bi). The results indicate that progress in grain yield in the Colombian Caribbean, ranged from 1.15% to 3.36% per year and 52.2 to 168.1 kg.ha-1, especially in the department of Bolívar (3.36% per year and 168.1 kg.ha-1). The yield stability was generally high (CV<15.56%) and increased with the years. In the five departments, the rice crop showed general adaptability (bi>4.57) for grain yield.

La berenjena es de gran importancia en el caribe colombiano, por seguridad alimentaria, generación de ingresos y empleo, beneficios en salud y grandes posibilidades de exportación; sin embargo, la casi totalidad de los genotipos que se siembran son criollos y poco mejorados. En Colombia, no se han reportado estudios sobre análisis de sendero para maximizar el progreso, por selección en el mejoramiento de esta especie. Veinticuatro genotipos de berenjena de diferente origen geográfico fueron estudiados en el Centro de Investigación Turipaná de Corpoica (Cereté - Colombia), utilizando el diseño de bloques completamente al azar con tres repeticiones, con el objetivo de determinar los efectos directos e indirectos de los componentes del rendimiento sobre la producción de frutos. El análisis de sendero reveló, que en primera instancia, el número de frutos por plantas, seguido del peso de frutos, tienen un efecto directo sobre el rendimiento de frutos. Por lo tanto, el mejoramiento genético simultáneo de berenjena debe considerar estos dos caracteres como un límite fisiológico.

Eggplants are of great importance in the Colombian Caribbean Coast for food sucurity, income and employment, health benefits and large export potential, but most of the genotypes planted are landraces and poorly bred. In Colombia no reportes about path analysis to improve selection for eggplant breeding exist. Twenty-four eggplant genotypes from different geographical origin were studied in the Corpoicas Research Center Turipaná (Cereté - Colombia), using a complete randomized block design with three replicates, with the objetive to determine the direct and indirect effects of yield components on the fruit production. The path analysis revealed that the number of fruits per plant, followed by fruit weight have a direct signifficant effect on fruit yield. Therefore, the simultaneous breeding of eggplant must considers these two characters as a physiological limit.

Dada la importancia de la berenjena en la horticultura del Caribe colombiano, el presente trabajo busco establecer las bases de un manejo sustentable e integrado de malezas en este cultivo, basado en el periodo de máxima interferencia de aquellas sobre este. El estudio se realizo en la Universidad de Córdoba, ubicada en Montería (8°39' N; 75°58' W). El diseño experimental consistió en bloques completamente aleatorizados, con cuatro repeticiones y siete tratamientos relacionados con periodos crecientes de control de arvenses, seguidos por ausencia de control. Los resultados muestran que las arvenses con mayor presencia fueron paja mona (Leptochloa filiformis [Lam.] Beauv.), caminadora (Rottboellia cochinchinensis [Lour.] W.D. Clayton), liendre de puerco (Echinochloa colona [L.] Link.), coquito (Cyperus rotundus L.) y bledo (Amaranthus retroflexus L.). Las arvenses afectaron la altura de la planta, el diámetro del tallo, y el rendimiento y calidad del fruto. Este último parámetro no se ve afectado cuando el cultivar lila se mantiene limpio durante los primeros 40 días. Al considerar el tipo de productor de esta hortaliza en el valle del Sinu, se sugiere utilizar: i) para áreas pequeñas, métodos físicos, como el arranque manual o corte con machete u otra herramienta, y prácticas culturales; ii) para áreas grandes, la combinación de herbicidas de presiembra con métodos físicos y culturales.

Considering the importance of eggplant in the Colombian Caribbean horticulture, and based on the maximum period of weed interference on the crop, the current work intended to lay the foundation of a sustainable and integrated weed management control program through a field experiment conducted in Universidad de Cordoba, in the municipality of Monteria, Cordoba department, Colombia (8°39' N; 5° 58' W). The experimental units were arranged in a completely randomized block design with four replications and seven treatments, which consisted in increasing weed control periods followed by no weed control. The results indicate that the most prevalent weeds were 'paja Mona' (Leptochloa filiformis [Lam.] Beauv.), 'caminadora' (Rottboellia cochinchinensis [Lour.] W.D. Clayton), 'liendre de puerco' (Echinochloa colona [L.] Link.), coquito (Cyperus rotundus L.) and 'bledo' (Amaranthus retroflexus L.). The presence of weeds adversely affected plant height; stem diameter, yield and fruit quality. The local cultivar Criollo lila must remain weed-free for the first 40 days to prevent yield and fruit quality losses. Considering the profile of the farmers of the Sinu valley, the recommendations are: i) for small planted areas, the use of physical methods such as hand removal or weeding with machete or other tools, plus cultural practices; and ii) for large areas, pre-sowing herbicides combined with physical methods and cultural practices

El conocimiento de la diversidad genética presente en un banco de germoplasma es importante en el mejoramiento de plantas, porque permite identificar las combinaciones híbridas con mayor efecto heterótico y facilita la selección de segregantes transgresivos superiores en las poblaciones. El objetivo del trabajo consistió en estimar la divergencia genética entre 62 accesiones de Berenjena colectadas en el Caribe Colombiano, por la Universidad de Córdoba y Corpoica, mediante el uso de 21 caracteres morfoagronómicos. Los datos estuvieron constituidos por la moda de cada descriptor, de acuerdo a los criterios del IBPGR (1988). Se obtuvieron valores de similitud, discriminación de genotipos por el método de Cole Rodgers et al. (1997) y el de agrupación de pares no ponderados con medias aritméticas (UPGMA), utilizando el programa Genes (Cruz, 2006). Las características color del cotiledón, hábito de crecimiento de la planta, ancho de la hoja, lóbulos foliares, espinas en las hojas, pubescencia de la hoja, ancho del fruto y longitud del cáliz acusaron ausencia de variación y siete grupos fueron identificados, dos, de los cuales, integrados por un solo cultivar. Con base en el dendrograma y los descriptores utilizados los cultivares 48 y 56 son posibles duplicados.

Knowing the genetic diversity of a gene bank is important in plant breeding because it allows the identification of hybrid combinations with greater heterotic effects and facilitates selection of superior transgressive segregates in populations. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic divergence among 62 eggplant accessions collected in the Colombian Caribbean, using 21 morphoagronomical characters. The data were the mode for each descriptor according to IBPGR (1988). Genotype Similarity Discrimination values were obtained using the Cole Rodgers et al. (1997) method and the Unweighted Pair Group with Arithmetic Means (UPGMA) method using Genes (Cruz, 2006). Descriptors such as cotyledon color, growth habit, leaf width, leaf lobes, thorns on leaves, leaf pubescence and fruit calyx width and length presented lack of variation. Seven groups were identified, two of which comprise a single accession. Dendrogram showed that accessions identified as 48 and 56 were identical based on the descriptors.

El maíz es uno de los cultivos alimenticios más importantes del mundo y constituye parte integral de la dieta y cultura de la gran mayoría de los pueblos latinoamericanos. Esta especie ha evolucionado en diferentes microambientes de la Región Caribe colombiana lo que ha generado una gran variabilidad genética; por esta razón, en el C.I. Turipaná de la Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria -CORPOICA- se procedió a caracterizar morfo-agronómicamente 256 cultivares criollos de maíz del banco de germoplasma de CORPOICA y cinco cultivares comerciales; a tal fin se utilizaron 42 descriptores del CIMMYT/IBPGR para incorporar estos criterios, de acuerdo con sus atributos agronómicos, en un programa de fitomejoramiento participativo. Fue necesario realizar estimaciones de datos faltantes, tanto para variables cuantitativas como cualitativas, cuando lo ameritaron. Posteriormente, los datos fueron procesados utilizando análisis de componentes principales y análisis de conglomerados. El análisis de componentes mostró que los cinco primeros componentes explicaron el 95,20% de la variación total y que las variables con mayor contribución fueron la longitud total de la espiga, el ángulo de la hoja y la longitud del pedúnculo de la espiga. El dendrograma del agrupamiento indicó la existencia de dos subgrupos de alta variabilidad genética entre ellos que constituye una buena fuente para el mejoramiento de plantas

Maize (Zea mays) is one of the world’s most important food crops, being a staple food for most Latin-American people. This species has evolved in several microenvironments throughout the Colombian Caribbean region, leading to great genetic variability. Due to this specie’s relevance to this area, 255 creole cultivars from Corpoica’s germplasm bank (Monteria, Colombia) and five commercial genotypes were thus agronomically and morphologically characterised at C.I. Turipana. Forty-two CIMMYT/IBPGR descriptors were used for incorporating them into a joint breeding/phytoimprovement programme based on their agronomical attributes. Missing data was estimated where necessary for both quantitative and qualitative variables. Main component and conglomerate analysis was used for processing data. Component analysis revealed that the first five components represented 95.20% of total variance; the major contributors were total spike length, leaf angle and the spike’s peduncle length. The grouping dendrogram revealed two subgroups having high genetic variability, this being considered as being a good source for a breeding programme