Biodiversity in morpho-physiological characteristics of indigenous plum germplasm from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Plum (Prunus domestica L.) and its wild relatives are found at different locations in Pakistan, existing in naturalized form, which have not been characterized yet. In the present work, genetic diversity in morpho-physiological characteristics of sixteen plum genotypes growing in the area of Rawalakot, district Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan were studied. Various parameters like tree size, number of branches per plant, leaf area, number of flowers per plant, blooming period, number and percentage of fruits set per plant, number and percentage of fruits matured per plant, fruit size and fruit weight were taken into count and variation observed in these characteristics was discussed. The results suggested that the plum genotypes differed in their morpho-physiological traits, and this ultimately provides important information on how to make the best use of these plum genotypes in future breeding programmes. The differences were probably due to their genetic make-up as well as prevailing climatic factors in the region.