Phenotypic diversity of autochthonous European (Prunus domestica L.) and Damson (Prunus insititia L.) plum accessions based on multivariate analysis

Abstract

Forty-three European (Prunus domestica L.) and twelve Damson (P. insititia L.) plum accessions originating from different and important growing regions in former Yugoslavia were studied to assess the overall degree of polymorphism, detect similarities among accessions and assess important agronomic, fruit quality and sensorial traits. Twenty variables were scored and subjected to multivariate analysis. Results showed a considerable phenotypic diversity among plum germplasm. A high correlation was found among some evaluated variables. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that traits related to fruit weight, yield and soluble solids content accounted for a large proportion of the observed variability. Accessions Bela Požegača, Crvena Ranka Bardaklija, Mudara, Požegača, Car Dušan, Julka, Turgonja and Crna Petrovka cvs are recommended for fresh consumption, while Požegača, Korajka, Bosanka and Bilska Rana cvs are recommended for drying. Most of accessions can be used for processing, particularly into plum brandy, whereas some can be used as rootstocks.