Morph-based Genetic variation in Christ's thorn (Ziziphus spina-christi(L.) Wild.)

Morphological variation gives us a knowing perspective; lets us more precisely speculate about genetic diversity among Christs-thorn individuals; leads us to identify and select elite germplasms for breeding purposes. On the other hand, biodiversity, itself, draws more attention by farmers, breeders, and conservation experts though such investigations. Plant organs/parts, e.g. leaf and fruit were sampled in three well known habitats: both qualitative and quantitative characteristics were measured. A completely randomized design experiment was carried out with10 replications In situ traits of studied trees were recorded. ANOVA revealed high significance of all measured characteristics indicating a large-scale diversity among the genotypes. For instance, fruit weight ranged 0.5-15gr. Leaf ranged 2-6.7 cm and 10-25% of total solution of the fruit samples comprised solute solids. Certain economic/taxonomically important traits were negatively-or positively correlated. The genotypes were clustered; plot analysis was performed for their morph and origins based on which they were finally grouped. Indian genotypes Collected from Hormozgan were clearly segregated from their Iranian counterparts. Collected genotypes in three provinces showed considerable morphological variations.