Phenomic characterization of Crotalaria germplasm for crop improvement

Abstract Background Diversification of global food systems through exploration traditional varieties and wild edible plant species is a focal mitigation strategy for security worldwide. The present study determined the phenomic diversity locally available, affordable climate-resilient cultivated Crotalaria breeding purposes. Methods Seed samples were collected from different administrative counties in Kenya spanning climatic zones. Other seeds provided by Genetic Resources Research Institute Kenya. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used agro-morphological evaluation 83 accessions this study. Data on quantitative qualitative traits collected. Cluster analysis R R-studio to generate dendrogram Euclidian genetic distance dissimilarity indices while non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) method determine spatial interrelationship between accessions. Pearson’s correlation coefficients relationships principal component discriminate Results Three ( C. brevidens Benth., ochroleuca G.Don, trichotoma Bojer . ) found be Kenyan farmers significant variation (p < 0.0001) all parameters under recorded. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering grouped into 8 major clusters. NMDS ordination formed 15 6 groups based regions respectively. Conclusions This forms basis exploring novel strategies among species, as well determining molecular markers linked traits.