Genetic Diversity in Local and Exotic <em>Avena sativa</em> L. (Oat) Germplasm Using Multivariate Analysis

Avena sativa L., also known as Oat belongs to the Poaceae family, is one of the most significant crops that is grown for its seeds, fodder as well as for human consumption as oatmeal. In the current study, 236 genotypes of A. sativa were analysed for genetic diversity through agro-morphological and SDS-PAGE analysis. Cluster analysis based on agro-morphological characteristics grouped all the genotypes into nine clusters, whereas genotype numbers 537 and 728 were highly different from others. The seed yield production of cluster 9 genotypes was the highest per plant (38.2 ± 0.20 g), while cluster 2 genotypes produced maximum biomass per plant (122.5 ± 9.55 g) as compared to other clusters. In a principal component analysis where four variables were studied, and the observed total variations were 57.60%. Among the genotypes, a maximum grain yield of 38.2 g (each) was recorded for genotypes 22,350 and 728, followed by genotypes 737 and 22,390 (with 36.4 g and 35.6 g of seed productions, respectively). The SDS-PAGE analysis resulted in 13 bands and all the genotypes were grouped into seventeen clusters. At the extreme periphery of the dendrogram, genotype 537 and 22,332 were considered to be the most diverse genotypes. Our findings have implications for both understanding the diversity and relationships among these diverse genotypes of A. sativa and will provide a basis for obtaining the elite germplasm optimally adapted to local conditions. The selected genotypes based on agronomic performance may be potential breeding material to raise successful future cultivars