Abstract:
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is considered as the fifth most important cereal crop in
the world. It is well adapted to a range of environmental conditions. This study was based on twenty six
sorghum germplasm accessions conserved at the seed gene bank of Plant Genetic Resource Center,
Gannoruwa, Sri Lanka. The evaluation of the morphological diversity was based on 14 qualitative
morphological traits outlined by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute. Qualitative data
recorded from morphological traits were analyzed using PROC CLUSTER procedure of SAS software.
The clustering pattern of studied sorghum accessions based on qualitative morphological markers
comprised of seven major clusters. Clustering pattern based on the qualitative traits depicts the
geographical origin of the studied accessions. This can be explained by the fact that qualitative traits are
less influenced by the environment. In principle, qualitative data are expected to provide additional
information on hierarchical units. Observation of a considerably high number of clusters consolidates that
principle. There were 13 polymorphic qualitative morphological traits with respect to all the studied
sorghum germplasm accessions. Cluster I, II, III, IV, V and VI had one or several features shared by all
the member accessions those cannot be found in all the members of any other clusters. Also there were
unique features restricted to cluster II, III, V and VI. This study reveals sufficient genetic relatedness of
studied sorghum germplasm accessions which will meaningful in the conservation and breeding programs
of the crops.
