Assessment of genetic diversity among five potato varieties based on morphological traits
Аннотация
Revealing genetic diversity among genotypes and varieties is essential for selecting parents with complementary traits in plant breeding programs. The present study aimed to investigate genetic diversity among five potato varieties, including Zardmaghz, Sefidmaghz, Lora, Samadi, and Sardah (control), based on 13 morphological traits. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications in Hazrat Sultan district of Samangan province. Data analysis was performed using several methods, including analysis of variance, Shannon index, cluster analysis, and factor analysis. The results of an analysis of variance showed that traits such as number of days to tuber initiation, number of days to tuber maturity, number of days to 50% flowering, and number and weight of marketable tubers were statistically significant. The Shannon index indicated moderate diversity among varieties (0.68). Cluster analysis of varieties placed Zardmaghz, Lora, and Sardah in one cluster, while Sefidmaghz and Samadi in another. In addition, factor analysis identified three main factors, including the yield factor and its components, phenological, and structural. The results can be used in plant selection and breeding programs as well as molecular marker studies.