Evaluation of Genetic Variation for Quantitative and Quality Characteristics of Fruit in Saveh Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Collection using Multivariate Analysis Methods

Indentification of genetic variation and grouping genotypes is very important for being used in research and breeding programs. In this study various quantitative and quality characteristics in 156 pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genotypes in the National Pomegranate Research Station in Saveh, Iran, in 2015-16, using randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that fruit weight had the highest correlation with number of seed in 100 gram aril and aril weight. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that fruit width, number of seed in 100 gram aril and peel thickness had the highest contribution to fruit weight. Path analysis showed the highest and positive direct effect of fruit width, number of seed in 100 gram aril and peel thickness on fruit weight. Therefore, these are very important characteristics for selection. About 71.25 percent of variation among 16 measured characteristics was explained by six principal components. The first component included, fruit weight, width and length as well as aril weight, and had the most positive effect on quality characteristics such as: fruit juice and maturity index. Anthocyanin had the most negative effect. Therefore, these characteristics play major role on variation among pomegranate genotypes. Factor analysis revealed three important factors that were called; fruit components, fruit color and fruit flavor. Therefore, characteristics related to these factors are in the first priority for selection. Genotypes were clustered in 11 groups using Ward’s method. It is predictable that crossing between genotypes from discrete groups could led to considerable variation among progenies.