Multivariate analysis of genetic divergence in Eu sorghums

Abstract

A study of the nature of genetic divergence in Sorghum by multivariate analysis was undertaken to examine the nature of differentiation within this genus and to improve the existing criteria of its classification. Forty-six populations of Eu-Sorghum representing its different series and sub-series were selected. Based on Mahalanobis D²-statistic, the population could be grouped into 15 clusters. The spatial disposition of the clusters and their relative divergence was in broad agreement with that of Snowden in seven clusters, but only in partial agreement in the other cases with the phylogenetic relations indicated by him. The grouping was confirmed by canonical analysis. After a comparison of the present results with those reported by others, the sub-genus Eu-Sorghum could be divided into nine species.