Genetic differences and heritability using morphological and phytochemical traits of some Iranian apples

Background and Objectives:

 Iran owns a good resources of apple genotypes which are mostly located in north of Iran beside Caspian sea. These genotypes have different phenotype. As initial step some of these samples were collected and different traits were measured and ranked. To look at rate of anthocyanin and Phytochemical and physical and chemical traits this experiment was designed and performed. Variation in size and skin and pulp color and phytochemical traits this experiment was designed. Differences in different characters can lead breeders for using the genotype within a breeding program. The presence of genetic diversity leads to more adaptation of Plants to different environments and selects superior genotypes. Since diversity in neoplasm is important in breeding programs. This study was conducted to evaluate different apple varieties using morphological and phytochemical characteristics using multivariate statistical methods. For this purpose, a study was conducted in 2016 in a completely randomized design with 12 varieties of native and imported apple in three replications.

Materials and Methods :

The fruits were collected from Kamal Shahr Horticulture station of Karaj, affiliated to the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute. A total of 11 traits including weight, volume, density, firmness, acidity, total soluble solids and other characteristics were evaluated. The obtained data were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS (9.1) software and Duncan's test were calculated for the mean comparisons.

Results :

Analysis of variance showed that there is a meaningful difference between genotypes for all studied traits. According to the results, fruit weight varied from 161.9 grams in Fuji cultivar to 4.25 gr for Gol-ghermez cultivar. Acidity varied from 0.88% for Gol-sefid to 0.16% for Shahrood 10 genotype. The percentage of TSS varied from 19.5% for Red delicious cultivar to 11.5% for GH2 genotype and Golab-Kohanz cultivars. The highest positive correlation (0.95) was observed between fruit weight and Fruit volume. Based on the results of PCA, the cultivars were divided into three distinct groups, which were similar to cluster analysis results.

Discussions :

The results revealed native Iranian apple varieties and genotypes are rich in genetic diversity and can play an important role in future apple breeding programs. The results revealed native Iranian apple varieties and genotypes are rich in genetic diversity and can play an important role in future apple breeding programs.The results revealed native Iranian apple varieties and genotypes are rich in genetic diversity and can play an important role in future apple breeding programs.