Multivariate Analysis of Agro‐Morphological Diversity and Utilization‐Based Differentiation of Himalayan Amaranthus germplasm

Diversifying food systems through climate‐resilient, underutilized crops such as Amaranthus is essential for enhancing food security. However, its broader utilization is constrained by the limited availability of improved cultivars. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of agro‐morphological diversity and utilization‐based trait differentiation in Amaranthus germplasm from the Kashmir Himalaya, comprising 109 accessions representing 11 species and four utilization groups (grain, dual‐purpose, vegetable, and weed). The germplasm was evaluated over three growing seasons (2022–2024) under field conditions using 21 morphological traits. Substantial morphological variation was observed, with high variability in branches per plant (CV = 67.3%), inflorescence length (CV = 63.4%), and leaves per plant (CV = 62.1%), whereas tepal number remained conserved. Quantitative traits significantly differentiated utilization groups, with tepal number, flowering time, and bract length showing the strongest effects (F > 400). Among qualitative traits, inflorescence spininess, terminal inflorescence shape, and stem color intensity exhibited strong associations with utilization group differentiation (Cramer's V > 0.5). Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships among agronomic traits, with leaf length and leaf width showing the strongest positive correlation ( r  = 0.83, p < 0.001), while inflorescence length was positively associated with plant height ( r  = 0.60, p < 0.001). Principal component analysis showed that the first two principal components accounted for 45% of the total phenotypic variation, capturing both vegetative and reproductive traits. These components revealed clustering of accessions according to utilization group, with partial overlap between cultivated and weedy taxa, indicating morphological continuity and incomplete domestication. Composite scoring revealed substantial variation in agronomic performance across species, with top‐ranking accessions identified from both cultivated and weedy taxa. These findings highlight the rich diversity of Himalayan Amaranthus germplasm and underscore its importance as a valuable genetic resource for conservation, characterization, and future crop improvement efforts.