Evaluation of genetic variation in different populations of Cuminum cyminum L. using morphological traits

Cuminum cyminum L. is one of the most important and economic medicinal plants with a considerable distribution in different regions of the country. This study was carried out in order to evaluate genetic variation and relationships among traits in 16 populations of Cuminum cyminum L. under field conditions using a completely randomized design with 4 replications. Morphological traits including seed yield, biological yield, plant height, plant weight, the number of umbels per plant, the number of umbelet per umbel, the number of seed per umbel and 1000-seed weight were studied. Results of analysis of variance showed significant differences for all studied traits (p< 0.01) except for number of umbelet per umbel. High values of phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for most of the traits, indicating high variations for the studied traits. Seed yield varied from 0.75 g per plant in accession of Sirjan to 0.99 g in accession of Birjand. According to the results of correlation coefficients, a high and positive significant correlation was recorded between seed yield per plant and seed number per umbel, the number of umbel per plant, biological yield and plant height. Sixteen populations were classified into four groups based upon cluster analysis. Populations of cluster IV had superiority for seed number per umbel, seed yield, biological yield, and number of umbel per plant compared to other clusters. Consequently, crossing between superior genotypes of different clusters and testing their progeny through breeding and selection programs may result in production of cultivars with desirable agronomic characteristics