Evaluation of phenotypic diversity of apple (Malus sp.) germplasm through the principle component analysis

Abstract

A wide range of apple cultivars representing Malus sp. germplasm were collected from southern part of Serbia, where this specie has been in cultivation for a long time. Data for twelve traits were collected for 18 cultivars for three consecutive years. Cultivars differed in phenology, fruit weight, yield and chemical composition were evaluated. Correlations were identified among phenological and compositional traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to study correlation among variables in set of apple cultivars evaluated and to interpret relationships among genotypes as a tool for germplasm characterization. Dulabija, intended for table consumption, and Stambolka, suitable for the processing, were identified as promising. Because of the large diversity identified, data should be collected for additional local apple cultivars.