Multivariate and univariate analysis of genetic variation in Iranian summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) accessions based on morphological traits

In order to evaluate the genetic variation in Iranian summer savory accessions, different accessions were analyzed using multivariate and univariate analysis. Results indicated that there were significant differences in some traits. The mean comparison analysis using least significant difference (LSD) test revealed significant differences among the accessions understudy. In this regard, the highest significant means for traits were related to Mashhad, Tabriz 1, Tabriz 2, and Kermanshah accessions. Results of correlation analysis showed high positive correlation between total fresh weight and stem fresh weight and negative correlations between the number of leaflet per main stem and distance of internodes. This can be effective for investigating the interactions between traits. Based on the results of factor analysis, significant traits in the first factor, including total fresh weight, stem fresh weight, root fresh weight as well as total dry weight, stem dry weight, and root dry weight, were highly correlated with each other and were independent of the other factors. Therefore, the first factor was considered as the weight factor due to its high value of “communality” in the traits related to the weight. According to the cluster analysis, 29 accessions clustered into four groups, with those having similar phenotypes clustering into the same group. The discriminant analysis confirmed the accuracy of the grouping to be 97.2%. Considering the grouping, no relationship was found between the genetic variation and geographical distance of the accessions. However, the accessions in separate groups can be selected for breeding programs. The results of the present study can be considered useful for identifying and managing the germplasm of the Iranian summer savory.