Evaluation of genetic diversity of some Iranian black berries based on morphological traits

This study performed to evaluate genetic diversity of some wild and domesticated (unknown foreign cultivars) blackberries in SANRU collection based on morphological traits. Results showed high diversity for flowering, ripening time and fruit juice. Wild genotypes showed significant differences in leaf, flower, thorn number, fruits and seed fresh weight compared to domesticated cultivars. Based on correlation results, the aim of breeders in selecting thorny genotypes for domestication effected from positive and significant correlation of thorn number with flower diameter, type, fresh weight, fruit juice volume and seed fresh weight or to negative and significant correlation of it with flowering time. Di plot analysis performed based on the results of factor analysis via using flowering and fruit quantity as main two factors and differentiate wild types from cultivars and introduced superior genotypes. Cluster analysis results of wild genotypes based on vegetative traits divided botanically identified species and the same samples from their relatives and nonrelative genotypes as three separate groups.