Morphological characterization of wild Prunus scoparia Spach accessions in 11 provinces of Iran.

Prunus scoparia (Spach) C. K. Schneid is among the most prevalent species which has the potential of being used as a dwarf rootstock for the cultivated almond. In the present study, the phenotypic variation of 521 wild accessions of this species naturally grown in 29 areas of 11 provinces in Iran was assessed. The accessions investigated showed significant differences based on the measured traits. The majority of the characters measured (90 out of 100) exhibited a coefficient of variation of higher than 20.00%, indicating considerable variation among the accessions. The range of nut-related characters was as follows: nut length: 9.72-22.87 mm, nut width: 5.81-15.54 mm, nut thickness: 5.67-12 mm, and nut weight: 0.18-0.99 mm. The range of kernel-related characters was as follows: kernel length: 6.83-19.23 mm, kernel width: 4.28-10.32 mm, kernel thickness: 2.16-7.52 mm, and kernel weight: 0.03-0.37 g. Kernel weight exhibited positive and significant correlations with nut length (r = 0.57), nut width (r = 0.54), nut thickness (r = 0.42), nut weight (r = 0.69), kernel length (r = 0.75), kernel width (r = 0.78), and kernel thickness (r = 0.58). Cluster analysis based on Ward's method showed two different major clusters among all the accessions. Based on the bi-plot created using principal component analysis of population analysis, the studied 29 natural habitats formed four groups. The studied accessions showed considerable variation in terms of the measured traits within and among populations. This variation is due to cross-pollination, cross-incompatibility, natural hybridization, propagation by seeds, gene flow, and exchange of plant material between the study areas. By using crosses between accessions of different regions, it is possible to increase the amount of variability in different traits of wild almonds.

Morphological characterizations of parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) to select superior genotypes.

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) is an edible root that has long been used in cooking and preparing baby food and livestock. The present study was performed to evaluate the phenotypic diversity of 69 accessions of this species to select superiors in terms of root quality in Paykan village, Isfahan province, Iran, in the year 2022. There were significant differences among the accessions investigated (ANOVA, p < .01). Coefficient of variation (CV) was more than 20.00% in the majority of measured characters (64 out of 66 characters), indicating high diversity among the accessions. Foliage width (crown) ranged from 10 to 55 cm with an average of 32.32 cm. Root shape was tapering (33), obtriangular (10), narrow oblong (5), wide oblong (5), obovate (13), and fusiform (3). Root length ranged from 81.2 to 294 mm with an average of 166.44 mm. Root diameter at its middle point ranged from 15.58 to 125.12 mm with an average of 51.83 mm. Root weight ranged from 15 to 1200 g with an average of 315.36 g. Inner core (xylem) pigmentation/color was cream yellow (11 accessions), light yellow (12), yellow (42), dark yellow (2), and yellow-light orange (2). In the cluster analysis based on Ward's method, the accessions were divided into two main clusters according to morphological traits. This is despite the fact that parsnip is part of the medicinal plant native and valuable in most farms in tropical cities. Compared with carrots, parsnip plants are more adaptable to different environmental conditions. The accessions studied here showed high phenotypic diversity. Based on ideal values of the important and commercial characters of parsnip, such as root length, root weight, inner core (xylem) pigmentation/color, root shape, flesh color intensity, flesh palatability, and total soluble solids, 14 genotypes, including Parsnip-3, Parsnip-9, Parsnip-24, Parsnip-32, Parsnip-32, Parsnip-48, Parsnip-51, Parsnip-52, Parsnip-58, Parsnip-60, Parsnip-62, Parsnip-65, Parsnip-67, and Parsnip-69, were promising and are recommended for cultivation.

Selection of the promising accessions of jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) skeels) based on pomological characterizations.

Jamun (Syzygium cumini [L.] Skeels) is one of the most potential underutilized fruit crops. Here, phenotypic and pomological variability among 61 accessions of this species was investigated. Analysis of variance (p < .01) revealed significant differences among the accessions studied based on the traits recorded. Ripening date ranged from late June to mid-July. Fruit color was purple in 13, dark purple in 30, and black in 18 accessions. Fruit weight ranged from 2.12 to 8.95 g, and fruit flesh thickness varied from 1.25 to 6.78 mm. Principal component analysis showed that fruit-related characters are very important in differentiating among selections. The studied accessions were divided into two groups and several subgroups based on cluster analysis, which showed the phenotypic variations among them. Beside the significant differences among the accessions of different regions, significant variation was observed between the accessions of each region. The obtained results are useful for designing conservation strategies for the germplasm as well as implementing breeding programs, such as introducing cultivars with different goals, including early or late ripening and seedless, nonastringent, large, and deeper color-fruits. Based on the fruit quality attributes, such as fruit weight, color, and taste; eight accessions, including Pirdan-3, Soldan-1, Pirdan-6, Soldan-5, Nasirabad-3, Soldan-3, Nasirabad-8, and Ganjabad-11, were selected which can be cultivated directly in orchards or used as parents in breeding programs.

Identification of the promising accessions of spistan (Cordia myxa Roxb.) using morphological and fruit-related traits.

Spistan (Cordia myxa Roxb.) is a potentially underutilized fruit plant in arid and semi-arid regions. It has long been associated with health and nutrition. Morphological diversity of 75 accessions of this species was evaluated. The accessions studied showed significant differences in terms of the characters measured. Ripening date varied from late May to mid-July. Fruit color was yellow-cream in 54, light orange in 8, and orange in 13 accessions. The range of fruit weight was 0.71-11.83 g with an average of 3.12, while fruit flesh thickness ranged from 0.63 to 7.86 mm with an average of 2.55, and fruit jelly part thickness varied between 1.34 and 6.40 mm with an average of 2.75. Principal component analysis could describe the evaluated traits as the nine main components that were able to justify 79.04% of total variance. Hierarchical clustering showed that the accessions were placed into two main clusters using the measured traits data, exhibiting a wide range of variability. Based on the traits related to selection of the ideal genotype, such as big fruit size, high fruit flesh thickness with high yield, and longer harvesting period, 11 accessions, including Jangal-4, Jangal-9, Rask-7, Jangal-5, Jangal-6, Jangal-11, Rask-1, Jangal-1, Rask-4, Rask-5, and Rask-2, were superior. It is recommended to use the best accessions selected in breeding programs. The commercial orchards of those best accessions should be extensively constructed to take advantage of the high yield of C. myxa as a crop and its medicinal properties.

Selection of promising accessions of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) based on fruit-related traits.

Phalsa or falsa (Grewia asiatica L., family Malvaceae) is a promising, yet underutilized berry fruit of tropical regions. It contains a rich source of various bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids. In the present study, morphological and pomological diversity of 48 accessions of this species was evaluated to introduce superior selections. Considerable variability was detected among the accessions studied based on the characteristics recorded. Fruit shape exhibited the highest CV (69.66%), while seed length showed the lowest CV (7.98%). Fruit color showed strong diversity, including red, red-purple, purple-cream, purple, and dark purple. Fruit weight ranged from 0.29 to1.14 g, and fruit flesh thickness varied from 1.90 to 3.91 mm. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 82.64% of the variability observed was explained by the first 13 components. A dendrogram created using cluster analysis grouped the accessions into two major clusters. Based on the traits related to fruit quality, such as fruit weight, fruit color, fruit flesh color, and fruit taste, 14 accessions, including Talsar-6, Talsar-8, Ganjabad-31, Talsar-4, Ganjabad-18, Ganjabad-24, Talsar-5, Ganjabad-25, Ganjabad-30, Ganjabad-17, Talsar-7, Talsar-3, Talsar-2, and Talsar-1, were superior. It is recommended to use the best accessions selected in breeding programs.

Multivariate analysis of eshnan (Seidlitzia rosmarinus Boiss.) based on morphological characterizations.

Seidlitzia rosmarinus Boiss. has been identified as one of the potential species that could be used for rehabilitating degraded desert rangelands and salt-affected soils due to its high salinity resistance and soil-stabilizing ability. Morphological variation of 144 accessions of this species from 14 regions of the Isfahan province, Iran was investigated. The accessions studied were significantly different in terms of the traits recorded. Three forms of plant growth habit were observed, including spreading bush, erect bush, and shrub. The range of leaf dimensions was as follows: terminal leaf length: 1.57-7.22 mm, terminal leaf width: 0.91-3.34 mm, basal leaf length: 11.84-45.27 mm, and basal leaf width: 1.32-4.18 mm. Fruit diameter (with wings) ranged from 0.19 to 12.91 mm, and 100-fruits dry weight varied between 0.11 and 0.76 g. A dendrogram created using Euclidean distances and the Ward's method revealed two main clusters. The obtained data revealed the morphological diversity within the studied populations. The reason for such a high diversity can be explained by a low probability of gene flow among the studied accessions. This is the first report on the application of morphological characteristics in the evaluation of the phenotypic variation of S. rosmarinus. This study presented a high phenotypic diversity of S. rosmarinus germplasm that could provide useful information for conservation and selection of cross-parents in breeding.

Identification of the promising mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes based on morphological and pomological characters.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the choicest fruit crops of the tropical and subtropical regions in the world. Morphological and pomological diversity of 18 mango (M. indica) genotypes (with 3-10 replications for each genotype, 81 trees in total) was evaluated from four areas of Sistan-va-Baluchestan province, Iran. There were significant differences among the genotypes investigated based on the traits recorded. Harvest date ranged from late May to early August. Fruit skin ground color was highly variable, including light green, green, light yellow, yellow, and orange. The values of fruit dimensions-related characters were as follows: fruit length: 45.67-142.21 mm, fruit diameter: 37.51-94.13 mm, and fruit weight: 44.58-469.42 g. Peel and pulp percentages ranged from 65.24 to 92.45%. The quantity of fiber on stone was intermediate in most of the genotypes. Fruit weight showed positive standardized beta-coefficient (ß) values with stone weight (ß = 0.66, p < .00) and pulp and skin content (ß = 0.44, p < .00). Thus, these two key variables are the main traits accounting for fruit weight, and they should be considered together in breeding programs. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed 21 components explaining 85.44% of the total variance, and the first principal component (PC1) was positively correlated with fruit-related traits. A dendrogram created using Euclidean distances and the Ward's method revealed two main clusters. High dissimilarity levels among the studied genotypes showed high variability in the germplasm. Based on the traits related to fruit quality, seven genotypes, including GulabKhas, Chaunsa, Ghalami, Soldan, Porteghali, KalmiBozorg, and Jangal, were superior and are recommended to use for cultivation in commercial orchards for area-specific and in breeding programs.

Selection of the promising fig (Ficus carica L.) accessions using fruit-related characters.

Nowadays, fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits are consumed either fresh or dried and used for jam or spirit beverage production. Morphological and pomological diversity of 49 wild edible fig accessions sampled was evaluated. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the wild accessions studied using the morphological data recorded. Ripening time ranged from late July to mid-August. Fruit skin ground color showed high variability, including cream-purple (4 accessions), purple-yellow (8), light purple (7), purple (15), dark purple (5), purple-cream (3), and cream (7). The range of fruit-related traits was as follows: fruit length: 12.65-22.60 mm, fruit width: 10.67-24.18 mm, fruit fresh weight: 2.52-6.13 g, and fruit flesh thickness: 0.85-1.89 mm. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed 10 independent components that could explain 84.11% of total variance. Ward dendrogram created according to the data obtained revealed the variation among the accessions and showed two major clusters. The present results showed that the studied accessions had remarkable phenotypic variation, and among them, some accessions with high-quality fruits in size, color, and taste can be planted and then used in the breeding programs. Information on the current levels of genetic diversity of germplasm is essential for devising strategies for wild forms conservation.

Selection of superior accessions of turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa L.) based on tuber quality-related characters.

Turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa L.) (syn. B. campestris L. ssp. rapifera Sinsk) is an important crop species belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The 185 accessions belonging to this crop were collected from several areas of Toodshak region in Isfahan province, Iran, and their tubers were cultivated under homogeneous conditions in loamy clay soil. The morphological traits of different organs of those accessions were evaluated. Significant variations were detected among the accessions studied based on the traits recorded. Tuber shape showed high variation and included globose, oblong, ovate, obovate, and fusiform. Also, tuber skin color was highly variable, including white, bicolor white-violet, light violet, and dark violet. Tuber weight ranged from 1.56 to 35.70 g, while total soluble solids (TSS) of tuber flesh ranged from 7.00 to 11.80%. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 18 components were extracted by explaining 74.88% of total variance. The dendrogram obtained based on all the characters measured clustered the accessions into two major clusters. Sixteen accessions were placed into the first cluster, while the remaining accessions were placed into the second cluster which was divided into six subclusters. High level of morphological variabilities was observed among the accessions, which is applicable and useful for B. rapa var. rapa breeding programs. Based on the commercial and quality traits, 17 accessions could be selected for direct cultivation. Also, the promising accessions identified here can be utilized directly in breeding programs for genetic enhancement of this crop.

Multivariate analysis of oriental apple (Malus orientalis Uglitzk.) based on phenotypic and pomological characterizations.

Oriental apple (Malus orientalis Uglitzk.) is rich in valuable traits, such as later blooming, adaptation to a wider array of habitats, and capacity for longer storage of the apples, that should be considered important to the genetic makeup of the domestic apple. Here, the morphological diversity of this species was evaluated. There were significant differences among the accessions studied as revealed by the recorded traits. Ripening date ranged from late April to mid-May. Fruit skin ground color showed strong diversity, including light cream, cream, yellow, light green, and green-white. Also, fruit skin over color was highly variable, including white, cream, yellow, light green, and green-white. Fruit weight ranged from 3.45 to 16.74 g. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed 13 PCs which contributed to 83.30% of total variance and fruit-related characters were the most effective traits for separating and identifying the studied accessions. The Ward dendrogram reflected the similarities and dissimilarities among the accessions based on the qualitative and quantitative variables measured. A high phenotypic diversity within the collected material of M. orientalis was indicated. The diversity existing in the indigenous wild M. orientalis could further add new genetic information in the global gene pool of Malus species. The present study confirmed the necessity of preserving this unique genetic resource and continuing its study no matter the fact that in practice.

Identification of the promising olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars based on morphological and pomological characters.

Olive (Olea europaea L.) is an ancient tree and can tolerate drought very well. In the present study, morphological and pomological diversity of 24 olive cultivars (5-15 replications for each cultivar, 243 trees in total) was evaluated. There were significant differences among the cultivars studied based on the characters recorded. The CV was more than 20.00% in 46 of 50 characters measured. Leaf length ranged from 27.07 to 78.54 mm, and leaf width varied from 5.42 to 23.06 mm. Ripening date ranged from late-August to early-October. Fruit length ranged from 13.04 to 33.72 mm, fruit diameter varied from 10.24 to 23.71 mm, fruit weighted from 0.97 to 9.61 g, and the range of fruit flesh thickness was 1.63-7.65 mm. There was high variability in terms of fruit color, ranging from light green to black. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) performed based on the mean of replications with Euclidean distance and Ward method grouped the cultivars into two major clusters. Differences in many of the morphological traits were observed across the cultivars. These sets of data were used to identify unique and desirable cultivars morphologically. The present research demonstrates that local olive cultivars have unique characteristics that differentiate them from imported cultivars. Thus, local cultivars provide novel genetic resources that should be conserved.

Morphological and pomological diversity of wild Prunus microcarpa Boiss. germplasm.

BACKGROUND: Prunus microcarpa Boiss. is usually found in dry calcareous and rocky mountain slopes and is well adapted to severe winter and dry-hot summer conditions. Morphological and pomological diversity among 81 accessions of P. microcarpa species selected from natural habitats was assessed. RESULTS: The accessions investigated were significantly different from each other in terms of the traits recorded. Tree growth habit was highly variable, including weeping, spreading, open, semi-erect, and erect. Most of the accessions had very small leaves, a probable adaptation to the xerophytic conditions. Ripening date ranged from mid-June to early August. Fruit weight as the first character considering in domestication process ranged from 0.21 to 0.44 g. Principal component analysis (PCA) could describe the evaluated traits as the 11 main components that were able to justify 76.29% of total variance. Also, the accessions were clustered into two major clusters by the Ward dendrogram. CONCLUSIONS: Significant diversity was revealed, regarding the morphological traits in the evaluated P. microcarpa germplasm that reflected the necessity for the conservation of this germplasm, and it is expected that the results gained in this study will assist current Cerasus breeding efforts and will maintain the genetic integrity of P. microcarpa.

Selection of superior genotypes of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) as revealed by fruit-related traits.

The nutritional and medicinal benefits of Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk. have led to its attention. Here, morphological and pomological diversity of this species was investigated. Most of the characters recorded showed considerable differences among the genotypes studied. The range of ripening data was from mid-February to mid-March. Fruit weight ranged between 15.68 and 33.62 g with an average of 24.17. Strong diversity was observed among the genotypes in terms of fruit skin ground color, ranging from light green to orange. There were significant correlations between some characters especially between the traits related to fruit size. Principal component analysis (PCA) classified the traits into 12 main components, justifying 75.07% of the total variance. The studied genotypes were grouped into two main clusters, indicating strong diversity among them. The present information might be used to choose the genotypes with the desired traits. Twenty-one genotypes were promising because of high values of fruit weight, fruit taste, fruit skin color, and fruit quality, and thus, they can be recommended for direct cultivation and also to be used in breeding programs. The genotypes with superior traits can be further used for improvement through selection and hybridization to get desired traits.

Identification of superior jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) genotypes based on morphological and fruit characterizations.

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is of great importance due to its medicinal properties and nutritional value. The current investigation was carried out to assess phenotypic variation of naturally grown accessions of this species. The accessions investigated exhibited meaningful variabilities based on the recorded characters. Fruit fresh weight ranged from 0.36 to 3.83 g with an average of 1.16, fruit dry weight varied from 0.21 to 3.04 g with an average of 0.80, and fruit flesh thickness varied from 1.24 to 8.51 mm. Skin color showed large variabilities among the accessions, including maroon-yellow, light maroon, maroon, dark maroon, light brown, brown, dark brown, and maroon-crimson. Principal component analysis (PCA) determined the characters influencing the most variation among the accessions. Cluster analysis performed with the Euclidean distance and Ward's method divided the accessions into two main clusters. The present findings provided essential data about the morphological traits of Z. jujube that can be used for the selection of superior genotypes and development of the fruit processing industry. Besides, the available results can be useful in designing conservation strategies and breeding of Z. jujube.