Assessment of genetic diversity among four olive cultivars using morphological markers

In order to study of genetic diversity and similarity among four native olive cultivars including ‘Mari’, ‘Zard’, ‘Shengeh’ and ‘Rowghani’, these cultivars were evaluated in five regions including Ali abad, Gilvan, Tarom, Manjil and Jamal abad at 2012-2013. There was a significant difference among studied individuals. The correlation coefficient analysis among studied traits showed that there was a good correlation among quantitative traits such as flesh, fruit weight, fruit shape and stone shape, while the correlation among qualitative traits was low. The results of PCA earned three components which accounted 91.93 percent. The scatter diagram of individuals based on two first components showed a good distinction for individuals. The cluster analysis separated six distinct groups in which Mari population formed three neighbour groups. ‘Zard’ population also showed high homogeneity, while ‘Shengeh’ showed the most dispersion however it was closely similarity to ‘Rowghani’ population.