Assessment of variation of sainfoin (Onobrychis vicifolia Scop.) genotypes through forage yield and its components

 In order to evaluate genetic variation and relationship among 20 genotypes of sainfoin, an experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with 3 replications in Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center of Isfahan, during 2015-2016. Results of variance analysis showed significant differences among the genotypes for all traits, in exception of number of nodes, lateral branches, leaflets and leaf width. PLC population had the highest forage yield (3179 kg/h). 9147 population was the second population for forage yield (2965 kg/h). Correlation coefficients showed that forage yield had a positive correlation with total stems, number of lateral branches, nodes, leaves and leaf and stem dry weight. Using principal component analysis, the first three components accounted for 72% of the total variation. Number of lateral branches, nodes, leaf, leaf and stem dry weight and wet and dry forage yield were the most important traits in the first component. Stem height, leaf width, leaf and stem percentages and leaf/stem in the second component and leaflets, total stems, lateral stem height and dry matter percentage in the third component were important. Genotypes were classified into 4 groups with distinct variations for forage yield.