FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS BASED DIVERSITY IN POMEGRANATE ACCESSIONS OF AFGHANISTAN

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a major fruit in Afghanistan, having a long history as wild and domesticated throughout the country. Best fruit accessions were evolved in the world through selection and utilization of genetic resources that were missing in the country. In our studies, various morphological (qualitative and quantitative) traits were recorded in fruits of 20 pomegranate accessions from Afghanistan. Principle component analysis (PCA) proved a high level of morphological diversity 93% in Afghan pomegranate germplasm with maximum variability covered in the first six components (84.03%) with the highest share of fruit and aril weight and wood portion index. The result of the first three components showed the variable PCA percentage 29.72%, 17.74% and 12.08%, respectively among pomegranate accessions based on the different quantitative traits. Our results concluded that there is a great diversity among the twenty pomegranate accessions from Afghanistan. Morphological diversity estimated in Afghan pomegranates makes it possible to improve genotypes. Hence these accessions can be taken for further breeding program by researchers.