Metroglyph analysis of maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds for preliminary classification and group constellation

When a large number of accessions are available it is often useful to represent them on two dimensional graph and form preliminary groups which are subsequently subjected to more detailed stratification for specific breeding purposes. In the present investigation inbreds were grouped in to clusters using metroglyph analysis. Index scores were assigned to each glyph to arrive at conclusions about the agronomic potential of the inbreds. The group constellation deviated from the one derived through D2 analysis. However, pictorial representation of inbreds as brought about by metroglyph analysis can be used as a measure of relative genetic distance among the inbreds.