Evaluation of agronomic traits, correlation, and genetic diversity in S4 inbred Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) lines in Vinh Phuc province, Vietna

Abstract

Adlay is recognised as both a food source and a medicinal plant in various Asian countries. This study evaluated 18 S4 inbred Adlay lines for agro-biological traits and genetic diversity in Tam Dao district, Vinh Phuc province, Vietnam. The field experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with two replications. The results revealed that the S4 inbred Adlay lines exhibited significant variation in agro-biological traits. Individual yield was positively correlated with the weight of 100 fruits and the number of branches, and negatively correlated with leaf claw length and the number of leaves. Additionally, the number of branches and fruits per branch were shown to be influenced by environmental conditions. Individual yield traits were determined to be controlled by additive genes. At a coefficient of 0.08, the inbred lines were categorised into 13 groups, while at a coefficient of 0.15, 17 distinct groups were observed. These findings provide valuable information on inbred line traits for Adlay breeding programmes, particularly in relation to crossbreeding.