Analysis of phenophase and morphological traits of perennial ryegrass germplasm

To evaluate and screen the germplasm resources of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) for excellent characteristics, 99 perennial ryegrass germplasm resources were selected to observe and analyze their phenological periods and eight morphological traits, and principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed based on the morphological indicators. The results showed that the whole growth period of the tested germplasm was 252.0 ~ 310.0 days, their morphological characteristics showed abundant variation with a coefficient of variation of 22.63% ~ 44.11%. The cluster analysis of eight morphological characteristics, perennial ryegrass germplasms were extracted into four groups withobvious morphological differences. The germplasms of groups Ⅰ and Ⅳ can be further investigated as parent breeding materials or released as new varieties for forage- or turf-type breeding objectives. In summary, there are rich variations in the morphological characteristics of the perennial ryegrass germplasms used in this study, among which, germplasms of groups Ⅰand Ⅳ can be used as elite parental materials to breed new forage and turf-type varieties.