Agro-morphological Characteristics and Genetic Diversity of Local Cút Glutinous Rice Varieties in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam

Background: The genetic relationship analysis of the local glutinous rice varieties is crucial for genetic management, conservation and the selection of new varieties. Methods: The experiment was conducted during 2022-2025 at Tu Nghia district, Quang Ngai province, Vietnam to assess the agro-morphological characteristics and genetic diversity of 104 local glutinous rice varieties. The study used 52 polymorphic SSR markers to calculate the polymorphic information content (PIC). Cluster analysis of the rice collection was then conducted using the similarity matrix and the Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA). Result: The results revealed a total of 214 alleles, with an average of 4.12 alleles per locus. PIC values ranged from 0.33 to 0.86, with an average of 0.60. The genetic similarity coefficient of the 104 local glutinous rice varieties ranged from 0.41 to 0.98. Based on the UPGMA analysis of molecular data using NTSYS pc 2.11a software, 104 local glutinous rice varieties were grouped into two major clusters, indicating genetic differences. In addition, the varieties exhibited relatively diverse growth durations, with most belonging to the Oryza sativa Late-maturing group. They displayed medium-to-high plant heights, medium-to-long panicle lengths and 1000-grain weights ranging from high to extra-high. The correlation coefficient analysis showed that all the traits were correlated with each other, with the yield being strongly correlated to the number of filled spikelets per panicle and 1000-grain weight.