MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PAKISTANI MANGO (MangiferaindicaL.) VARIETIES USING PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS

Abstract

The morphological data of mango varieties was provided by Shujabad mango research center. The point of present study was to evaluate diversity and grouping pattern of the mango varieties and traits. A total of 36 morphological characters were considered.Twenty fourqualitative traits fromtree(4), leaves (5), inflorescences (4), fruits and seeds (11) were included. Twelve quantitative traitsfrom leaf(2),flower and seed(10) were selected.Principal component analysis (PCA) was done by XLSTAT.Fifteen fruit traits and four leaf traits were used to index mango morphology.The first three principal components clarified 34%of variation and identified fruit/stone traits especially the fruit length, fruit thickness and fruit width, fiber length, total soluble salts (TSS), leaf colour, twisting of leaf blade as important traits that could be used to categorize mango varieties.Fajri Kalan, Sindhri and Chaunsasufaidwere conspicuous due to highest fruit weight, stone thickness, fruit thickness and fruit length. The high morphological diversity within the mango varieties could prove to be helpful in their identification and categorization