Identification, evaluation and genetic diversity analysis of 31 cassava germplasm resources

ObjectiveThe germplasm resources with good traits were screened out from the tested cassava germplasm resources to provide parents for breeding of excellent domestic cassava varieties. MethodBotanical characteristics,agro-nomic characteristics and hydrocyanic acid content of 31 cassava germplasm resources from home and aboard were evaluated, and genetic diversity analysis on related traits were also conducted. ResultIn 31 cassava germplasm resources, rich genetic diversities were presented in leaf shape, leaf color, lobe number, color of petiole,color of leaf vein, color of ma-ture main stem outer bark, color of mature main stem inner bark,growth of stem, plant shape,branch angle, plant height, height of main stem, diameter of main stem, root tuber distribution,root tuber concentration,root tuber shape,color of root tuber outer bark, color of root tuber inner bark and color of root pulp. From the 31 cassava germplasm resources, 13 germplasm resources with good plant shape were selected, four germplasm resources with fresh root tuber yield per plant>2800.00 g were selected. Ten germplasm resources with hydrocyanic acid content<50.00 mg/kg, two with fresh root tuber yield per plant≥2901.75 g, harvest index≥0.74 and hydrocyanic acid content≤28.86 mg/kg were selected. Conclu-sionThe 31 cassava germplasm resources enjoy rich genetic diversity. Two germplasm resources with high yield, high harvest index and low hydrocyanic acid content were screened out, which can be used in edible cassave variety breeding as key materials.