Morphological diversity among accessions of Gboma eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon L.)

Abstract

Morphological diversity is a prerequisite for development of new varieties and identification of pollen parents. The pattern of morphological variability pattern was investigated among 13 accessions of S. macrocarpon sourced from Africa and Asia. Our objectives were to quantify diversity among accessions of S. macrocarpon and identify best accessions to be used as pollen parent and conservation. Field experiments took place during 2009 thorough 2010. Two methods of multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis and Cluster analysis) were used to analyze the data set. The first principal component axis showed maximum variability and depicts variation associated with receptacle pigmentation (purple). Receptacle pigmentation was important in the assignment of accessions of accessions into cluster, meanwhile pigmentation (purple) contributed to cluster constellation. Dispersion on the plot of PC axes 1 by 2 and grouping on the dendrogram tree correspond to low to moderate variability, phenotypic plasticity and geographic heterogeneity. There was no association between accessions and geographical origin. Pigmentation (purple) and stripped fruit gene could be used by potential users (plant breeders and seed companies) as morphological markers in breeding works. High heritability and heterosis should be expected provided intraspecific hybridization targeting receptacle pigmentation and fruit colour distribution (stripped) traits.