Evaluation of fruit morphological properties of some wild barberry (Berberis spp.) genotypes in West Azerbaijan

Barberry is a small fruit that grows in the wild in North West of Iran. Evaluation of fruit and seed characteristics can be useful in selection of superior cultivars for commercial cultivation. The aim of this study is to better understand the characteristics of barberries in order to use in breeding programs. The area and barberry genotypes were identified and sampling of them were done, then were transported to the laboratory and attributes such as length and width of fruits, seeds and leaves, fruit color were measured. Cluster analysis was performed on the basis of Ward's method. There is high variation in some traits, including berry weight, berry length, flesh weight, seed width, color characteristics such as a*, b*, Hue angle and chroma values. The results indicated that SH14 genotype had the largest fruit. Leaf traits, including leaf length and width significantly correlated with fruit traits such as weight and size of the fruit and seed length and width. The 3 main factors were explained approximately 68% of the total variance. According to cluster analysis, genotypes were divided into four main groups. Genotypes in group A had highest average length of pedicle and a* and b* color variables of fruits. The hue angle had a significant role in separation of group B. Also, seedless genotypes were located in group C. Genotypes in group D had a higher average length and width of leaves and seed number. The results obtained might be helpful for breeders who trying to develop new varieties.