Genetic diversity and agronomic performance of Slovenian landraces of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)

Abstract

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) has many favored nutritional and agronomic traits, which makes it appropriate for cultivation and consumption all around the world. Genomic resources for proso millet are still very limited but the set of genomic data is improving. In this study, we genotyped six Slovenian landraces of proso millet (P. miliaceum L.) along with one Slovene autochthonous cultivar, Sonček. The chosen set of 11 SSR markers showed that there is low overall heterozygosity (0.561) among Slovenian landraces of proso millet. However, we were able to determine distinct groups on the dendrogram for different landraces and the cultivar by using UPGMA clustering. The PCoA scatter plot showed dispersion of unique individuals. The SSR markers used proved to be efficient for assessing the genetic diversity of Slovenian landraces of proso millet. Furthermore, we performed a 3-year field experiment and determined grain yield (ranging from 1032 to 1667 kg ha −1 ) and yield stability using Kang’s yield stability index (YSi). The morphology of panicles and grain was described as well.