Understanding of the extent and patterns of genetic diversity is important for effective utilization of genetic resources. The present study focused on intensive phenotypic evaluation and molecular analysis of a selected set of 48 landrace accessions of maize from the plains and non-NEH tribal hill regions in India. The multilocation evaluation of agronomic performances revealed considerable variations among the accessions for yield components, besides G x E interactions. Biplot analysis depicted that landraces can exhibit both location-specific and broader adaptations. Molecular characterization based on SSR loci revealed a total of 550 alleles, with a mean of 13.1 per locus, and an average PIC value of 0.60, indicating high genetic diversity among the tested accessions. Identification of 174 unique SSR alleles led to clear differentiation of 44 accessions. The study also revealed six highly frequent SSR alleles at different loci, which were previously identified to be associated with some important agronomic traits. Analysis of Wright___F statistics indicated high levels of genetic differentiation both between and within populations, showing a significant population substructure. Cluster analysis of the SSR allele frequency data showed eight clusters with no specific separation based on geographic origin. However, the cluster patterns largely matched with that derived through yield performance data.

Global Maize Program

English

No CIMMYT affiliation

Lucia Segura

INT3057