Deciphering the morphological variability in grape germplasm

Abstract

The aim of present study was to evaluate grape accessions that have been under cultivation in India for a long time. A high variability was found in the evaluated grape germplasm for the measured parameters. Mature leaf, shoot tip, bunch parameter, berry parameter, total soluble solids (TSS), and total acidity (TA) showed a wide variation. Significant positive correlation between bunch and berry traits and negative correlation between TSS and TA was recorded. According to the present finding, grape germplasm such as Aledo, Beni Zuiho, Crimson Seedless, Banqui Abyad, Kishmish Chernyi, Beauty Seedless, Blush Seedless, Arka Soma, Black Damas Rose and Convent Large Black showed superior fruit traits. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) showed a considerable fruit diversity in the studied grape germplasm. The characteristics of grape bunches and berries play a crucial role in quality evaluation, particularly for table grapes. The obtained data revealed phenotypic and genotypic variation within grape germplasm might be considered as characterizing gene pool that can contribute to the future grape breeding program.