Phenotypic diversity analysis of 32 Poa germplasm resources

In this study, we analyzed the phenotypic diversity of 32 Poa germplasm resources. Diversity, correlation, principal component, and cluster analyses were used to evaluate the variation in phenotypic traits, which provided the basis for the breeding of Poa germplasm resources in the alpine region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The highest genetic diversity index was for total biomass (H′ = 2.21), and the highest coefficient of variation was for plant height (31.70%), followed by root length (22.04%), total biomass (19.21%), and stem diameter (16.38%). Through principal component analysis, the contribution rate of the first principal component was found to be 30.274%. The load was the highest for inflorescence length (0.748), followed by leaf area (0.746), leaf width (0.705), and stem diameter (0.704). The resources were divided into three categories based on cluster analysis and comprehensive score. The first category was characterized by tall plants, large stem leaf ratios, more inflorescences, and thick stems. Three germplasms, 18-182, 18-004, and 17-060, from this category were selected for forage production and mixed grassland. The second category was characterized by short plants and, short and wide leaves, and 14-061 from this category was selected for ecological restoration. The third category was characterized by short plants, long and narrow leaves, and large amounts of biomass. Six germplasms, 17-105, 17-332, 18-064, 18-139, 15-048, and 17-044 from this category were selected to provide theoretical basis for the good benefit of turf establishment .