Sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.] is an important native species for cattle production. However, inappropriate grazing practices have reduced its genetic diversity. The morphological and genetic diversity of 51 populations of sideoat grama in Chihuahua State were explored and analyzed. Transplanting was performed under natural conditions; two years later, morphological characterization was performed. To assess genetic variability AFLP molecular markers were used. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first three components (CP) explained 73.83% of variation. CP1 showed a significantly correlation (P?0.0001) in dry matter (88%), stem density (85%), tiller diameter (83%), height of foliage (82%), plant height (79%), and leaf length (65%). An AFLP analysis with four pairs of primers detected 186 bands; 80.67% (150 bands) had polymorphism. The highest percentage of polymorphism (93.75%) and polymorphic bands (48) was obtained with the primer combination of EcoRI-ACT + MseI-CTG. There is a potential to further implement genetic breeding programs assisted by AFLP molecular markers to identify populations with high forage potential. Sideoats grama population presented a high morphological and molecular variability. Based on high forage potential, ecotypes (444, 359 y 557) were selected to be included in grassland restoration programs.
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