Analysis of agronomic, quality traits and genetic diversity of domestic and foreign foxtail millet resources

The present study aimed to investigate the comprehensive agronomic and quality traits of newly introduced foreign foxtail millet resources and their compatibility with domestic local varieties. The data obtained will serve as a reference for the identification and utilization of outstanding resources. In this research, a total of 88 newly introduced foxtail millet varieties and 152 domestic local varieties were selected for evaluation. Field assessments were conducted to examine agronomic traits, while quality analysis of harvested seeds was performed alongside kinship analysis using SNP markers derived from resequencing. The findings revealed significant differences in quantitative traits among the evaluated materials, indicating a rich genetic diversity. Seven traits exhibited a genetic diversity index (<italic>H'</italic>) of ≥ 2.00. The top three materials, based on the comprehensive evaluation of quantitative traits, were Banyueying from Shandong province (<italic>F </italic>= 2.47), newly introduced germplasm Y-190 from the United Kingdom (<italic>F </italic>= 2.45), and Dabaigu I from Shanxi province (<italic>F </italic>= 2.38). In contrast, the differences in quality traits were not significant, with a genetic diversity index (<italic>H'</italic>) ranging from 0.38 to 1.37. Correlation analysis demonstrated positive associations between most quantitative traits, except for spike thickness and thousand grain weight, which exhibited a non-significant negative correlation. The quality measurement results indicated that each trait followed a normal distribution and varied among different varieties. The genetic diversity index (<italic>H'</italic>) of quality traits ranged from 1.65 to 2.05, with protein and fat exhibiting the highest genetic diversity (<italic>H' </italic>≥ 2.00). Correlation analysis revealed a non-significant negative correlation between protein content and fat content, as well as between fat content and fiber content. Significant positive correlations were observed between starch content and fiber content, as well as L^* and b^* values. Based on phenotypic traits, the participating materials were classified into four groups, each showing distinct phenotypic characteristics. Furthermore, the SNP-based evolutionary tree and group structure analysis indicated various kinship relationships among different varieties. Notably, some newly introduced germplasms exhibited closer kinship ties with domestic local varieties. However, further research is required to elucidate the specific kinship relationships among different materials. This comprehensive evaluation of recently introduced foreign foxtail millet resources encompassed agronomic traits, quality traits, and their similarities and differences with domestic resources. The findings provide a foundation for the subsequent utilization and promotion of exceptional resources.