Genetic diversity analysis of the main agronomic traits and nutritional in 18 oat cultivars introduced to Lhasa

This study aimed to elucidate the genetic diversity of the main agronomic traits in 18 oat (Avena sativa) cultivars introduced to Lhasa. A total of 18 agronomic traits were calculated by diversity analysis, clustering analysis, and principal component analysis. The results showed that the diversity index was from 1.458 to 2.054, and the average diversity index reached 1.87. The introduced oat cultivars showed abundant genetic diversity, showing large differences in the same characteristics and high coefficient of variations in different characteristics. Large coefficients of trait variation were observed for dry grass yield (52.354%) and flag leaf length (51.946%). Based on cluster analysis, 18 oats were classified into four groups. Group Ⅰ included 11 different cultivars, that belonged to the high stem group. Group Ⅱ included one cultivar that belonged to the high dry grass yield group. Group Ⅲ consisted of two different cultivars that belonged to high nutrition and more grains group. Group Ⅳ included four different cultivars that had better performance in different indicators and suitable for introduction to Lhasa. According to principal component analysis, the first five components (leaf yield and seed yield factor, ADF and NDF factor, ash factor, stem leaf ratio and crude protein factor, and plant height factor) contributed 79.592% to the variation. We constructed a comprehensive evaluation model by using the five principle components and calculated the integrated score, and screened Baler Ⅱ, Haymaker, and Haiwee as oat cultivars suitable for planting in Lhasa.