MULTIVARIATE EVALUATION OF AGRONOMIC AND BIOMASS TRAITS IN WILD POPULATIONS OF AMARANTHUS VIRIDIS L.: IMPLICATIONS FOR POTENTIAL DOMESTICATION

Abstract

As an underutilized C4 pseudo-cereal and leafy germplasm, Amaranthus viridis L. is a nutritionally rich "superfood" with remarkable medicinal properties. Although it has been used globally throughout human history, it also frequently grows as a weed in major agricultural belts like the rice belt or Kalar track, such as in Pakistan, including areas of the districts Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, and Hafizabad. Amaranthus viridis L. poses a hazard to rice crops by competing for critical resources such as water, minerals, and nutrients. Crop yields decline as a result of this competition. A planned study was carried out to investigate the traits of Amaranthus viridis L. in three separate locations with various settings in order to address the problem. The findings demonstrated a significant relationship between characteristics such as shoot length, root length, inflorescence length, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, moisture content, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area. Conclusively, location three was found to be a favorable setting for Amaranthus viridis L. plants to thrive and develop vigorously. It is highly advised to acknowledge its production for future agronomic selection and domestication strategies over the desert regions and barren lands due to its soil-enhancing, resistant, medicinal, and nutritional benefits to ensure the utilization of nature’s blessing for the welfare of mankind in all possible ways.