World Journal of Agricultural Sciences 11 (3): 174-182, 2015 ISSN 1817-3047 © IDOSI Publications, 2015 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wjas.2015.11.3.1854 Corresponding Author: S.C. Chukwu, Department of Crop Production and Landscape Management, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria. 174 Characterization of Maize Germplasm Collections Using Cluster Analysis S.C. Chukwu, E.O. Okporie, G.C. Onyishi and I.U. Obi 1 1 2 3 Department of Crop Production and Landscape Management, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria 1 Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria 2 Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria 3 Abstract: Conscious expedition was carried out to different parts of Nigeria to collect maize genotypes with wide variability. The genotypes were coded Gt1 to Gt71 and were first planted in ear-to-row progeny fashion according to their numbers on May 18, 2013 on a well pulverized flat plot.In order to have a well-organized and streamlined maize research program, it became important that these genotypes be characterized according to similarities in traits. Thus, the genotypes were subjected to cluster analysis (CA); a tool which has the ability to analyze large amounts of genetic information and grouping genes that have similar functions. The dendrogram constructed classified the 71 genotypes into eight clusters at 5.0 squared Euclidean distance based on agronomic and chemical characteristics. Clusters VII and VIII had tall and high yielding plants with low to medium protein, medium to high oil, low to medium amylose and also medium amylopectin, although late maturing. Clusters V and VI were early maturing but had low yielding and short plants, low protein, high oil, high amylose and low amylopectin.Clusters I and II were characterized by early maturing genotypes and also high yielding. Result obtained from second year planting season of 2014 re-affirmed the agronomic characteristics of these clusters. The 71 maize genotypes, with the help of cluster analysis, were successfully characterized and accurately grouped into eight clusters with distinct promising features. This is useful for further maize improvement researches. Clusters VII & VIII and V & VI were recommended for use in recurrent selection while clusters I & II were recommended for developing inbred lines. Key words: Cluster Zea mays Germplasm Collection Characterization INTRODUCTION floury or flint dent.Although maize is increasingly being Germplasm collection is very much a part of maize food for millions of Nigerians [4]. improvement activities in Nigeria [1]. A systematic luster analysis (CA) is a major technique for collection and evaluation of locally available maize classifying a ‘mountain’ of information into manageable germplasm was initiated in 1953. Staton [2] grew all the meaningful piles [5]. It is a data reduction tool that collected germplasm at Moor Plantation, Ibadan and creates subgroups that are more manageable than suggested a maize type distribution on the basis of bran individual datum. Like factor analysis, it examines the full characteristics only.Alika and Aken’ova [3] embarked on complement of inter-relationships between variables. a systematic collection of local maize in the then Bendel Unlike factor analysis, cluster analysis requires no prior State to determine the degree of genetic relationship knowledge about which elements belong to which among the different types and investigate the existence of clusters. The grouping or clusters are defined through an valuable agronomic traits that could make them sources of analysis of the data. Subsequent multi-variate analyses useful genes. An interesting observation made was that can be performed on the clusters as groups [6, 7]. the different color types tended to exist in specific areas Clustering occurs in almost every aspect of daily life. of the state – creamy yellow accessions were found in the According to Banerjee et al. [8], CA provides no South, while the white was found in the middle to the explanation as to why the clusters neither exist nor is any more northerly derived Savanna regions. All the yellow interpretation made. Each cluster thus describes, in terms types were flint while the white types were either flint, of the data collected, the class to which its members utilized for livestock feed, it is still a very important staple