A phenotypic diversity analysis of foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) landraces of Chinese origin

A total of 23 381 foxtail millet landraces of Chinese origin were analysed for seven qualitative traits and four quantitative traits. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index was used to estimate the phenotypic diversity of each characteristic on the basis of administrative provinces and ecogeographical regions. Hierarchical analysis of variance indicated that most of the variation was due to differences among characteristics. Only the diversity indices for leaf color of seedlings, starch composition and 1000-grain weight showed significant differences among regions. In relative terms, a greater genetic divergence was found in some provinces of southern China, where foxtail millet is not a major crop.