Collection and evaluation of genetic diversity in Dinanath grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin.) for forage yield and leaf blight resistance

Abstract

Aim: Dinanath grass is a drought tolerant multipurpose species with high potential for quality fodder in tropical regions. In India, it is distributed in eastern and southern parts. The gap in collection and exploitation of genetic diversity exists in Dinanath grass. Therefore, genetic diversity of Dinanath grass was collected and evaluated for utilization in genetic improvement of Pennisetum species for future fodder security. Methodology: A total 28 accessions of Dinanath grass were collected from western and southern regions of Karnataka. Collected accessions were grown under rainfed conditions and evaluated for six qualitative and ten quantitative traits and response to leaf blight reaction. The evaluated accessions were analyzed by using different univariate and multivariate statistical tools. Results: Dinanath accessions were categorized as per qualitative traits. Quantitative traits exhibited low (7.43%) to high (62.88%) coefficient of variation. Dry matter yield showed positive association with plant height, leaf area and tillers per plant. Cluster analysis classified Dinanath accessions into four distinct groups. The first five principal components explained >85% of the total variation. Three accessions viz., IG-15-26, IG-15-30, IG-15-4 were identified as resistant against leaf blight disease; and donor accessions for agronomic traits were selected. Interpretation: The indigenous Dinanath grass collection from Western Karnataka has ample diversity with reference to qualitative and biomass contributing traits; and resistance against leaf bight disease. The information generated on collected germplasm will assist the researchers in designing the Pennisetum genetic improvement programme.