Study of Morphological and biochemical to determine the genetic diversity of cultivated Oat (Avena sativa L.)

Study of the morphological characteristics and molecular markers for genetic diversitydetermination is one of the basic steps in the most breeding programs. For this purpose, current investigation was carried out with ten cultivars based on randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with three replications, during the period of October 2010 to June 2011 cropping season. Statistical analysis of agronomy data showed that there were significant differences between genotypes for almost studied traits. Cluster analysis by UPGMA method for agronomic traits divided genotypes into three groups. High genetic gains were observed for flag leaf length. Correlation between morphological and molecular traits was assessed using Mantel test and significant positive correlation was observed between them. Thus according to genetic distances between the genotypes and heterosis value based on morphological markers according to similarity coefficient, the cross between 212 with 217, 201, 202, and 204 is recommended. In conclusion, replication of such experiment with more varieties for more accurate results is recommended.