Investigation of genetic diversity of quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill) based on morphological, biochemical and physicochemical characterizations in Ardebil province

The genetic diversity of 27 native cultivated quince genotypes from Khalkhal and Kosar in the Ardabil province was evaluated according to 20 morphological leave, fruit, and flower's traits as well as 13 biochemical traits were measured at Mohageg Ardabili University in 2015. Results indicated, these traits can be used as basic criteria for quince genotype distinction. Moreover, the genotypes were different based on the shape, leaf blade attitude, and leaf-base shape. The flower color was variable between genotypes as white, pink and bicolor, which can be used as the key attributes to identify genotypes in Ardabil province. Fruit shape (round, square, oval and pear-shaped) showed remarkable differences between genotypes more than other characters. Cluster analysis according to the measured parameters could divide genotypes into three main groups. Genotypes Lm1, Lm5, Lm7, Lm9, Kv1, Kv3, Kv8, Kv4, Kv16 and Kv18 were suitable for fresh market due to fruit favorite taste, sweet and sour taste balance