Interpopulation variations in morphochemical characteristics of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

Abstract

The present study was carried out with an aim to evaluate Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni segregants and to characterize them morphochemically to facilitate selection of superior genotypes for hybridization in breeding programs. Two identified strains named A and B and their segregant populations (F1 and F2) were evaluated with their morphological and chemical characteristics. Various qualitative and quantitative morphological characters including leaf shape, plant type (loose or compact), plant habit, plant height, and shoot collar diameter were considered. Simultaneously stevioside and rebaudioside-A content was evaluated. A few individuals were identified with rebaudioside-A content ranging from 5.11% to 8.55% and the ratio between stevioside and rebaudioside-A was found to be very low. One plant with stevioside of 16.18% was obtained.