Abstract: 【Objective】 To explore the relationships among agronomic traits of foxtail millet and to provide a basis for new variety breeding and genetic improvement.【Methods】 Variation analysis,correlation analysis,principal component analysis,and cluster analysis were conducted on agronomic traits of 30 advanced-generation foxtail millet lines（varieties）.【Results】 The coefficients of variation of agronomic traits in the tested foxtail millet lines（varieties）,ranked from high to low,were：grain weight per panicle>weight per panicle>stem diameter>yield>panicle diameter>plant height>panicle length>growth period>thousand-grain weight,with the coefficients of variation ranging from 8.52% to 29.24%. Stem diameter and panicle length were both extremely significantly and positively correlated with weight per panicle and grain weight per panicle（P<0.01）;weight per panicle showed a extremely significant positive correlation with grain weight per panicle（P<0.01）;yield was significantly and positively correlated with weight per panicle and grain weight per panicle（P<0.05）. Principal component analysis reduced the nine agronomic traits of the tested foxtail millet lines（varieties）to three principal component factors,namely the yield factor,plant architecture factor,and phenological factor,with a cumulative contribution rate of 71.913%. The comprehensive scores of lines 20H979,22YH-122,and 22HB249-217 ranked in the top three. Cluster analysis classified the tested foxtail millet lines（varieties）into three major clusters. ClusterⅠ was characterized by a longer growth period and relatively lower average plant height,panicle diameter,weight per panicle,grain weight per panicle,and yield. ClusterⅡ had a shorter growth period and higher average plant height,weight per panicle,grain weight per panicle,and yield. ClusterⅢ exhibited a longer growth period,lower average plant height,and higher panicle length,panicle diameter,thousand-grain weight,and yield.【Conclusion】 Lines 20H979,22YH-122,and 22HB249-217 in ClusterⅢ possess excellent comprehensive traits and significant yield potential. These lines are not only superior candidate lines but also backbone parents for breeding breakthrough varieties,showing dual value for direct application and genetic improvement.

Key words: Foxtail millet, Agronomic traits, Variation analysis, Correlation analysis, Principal component analysis, Cluster analysis