Establishment of Distinct Core Collections based on the Predicted Genotypic Value of Ethiopian Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Landraces

摘要

In order to evaluate selection procedures 144 random sample of fenugreek accessions collected from locations at heights ranging from 1750 to 3150 m, along with one released variety, were used in this study for designating a core collection representative of the whole range of accessions used in the study. The field experiment was conducted at Adadi and Ambo Research Center during 2006 and 2007 main cropping seasons. Treatments were arranged in a 12x12 simple lattice design. The data were subjected to multivariate analyses for different clustering methods, performed using the SAS software. Homogeneity test (F-test) for variance and a t-test for means (0.05) were performed to determine the differences of traits between the core and the initial collections. Furthermore, the characteristic of the core collection in terms of the initial collection was determined by coincidence rate and the variable rate. Core collections established by distinct clustering and sampling methods were representatives of the initial collection, with exception of the collection constructed by Wards clustering method combined with random sampling. This observation indicates that the genetic variation available in the initial collection can be preserved in the nine established core collections. These core subsets can be used as a point of entry for efficient and effective exploitation of germplasm resources for the improvement of the crop.