Study of genetic diversity in pomegranate germplasm of Yazd province of Iran

A total of 117 pomegranate genotypes collected from different areas of Yazd province of Iran were studied for genetic variation by evaluating 23 morphological traits according to the international descriptor. Similar diversity pattern of the measured characteristics was observed in three types of sweet, sweet-sour and sour varieties. The traits shape of fruit base, suckering tendency, vigor of tree, fruit shape and aril color had the highest power of discrimination. The results of evaluation of genetic distances revealed discrepancies in the pairs of genotypes with similar denominations. The sites of Taft and Yazd were located in the same group in the dendrogram of origins of the germplasm, while Bafq and Ardakan together were placed in another group separated from group of Ashkezar and Mehriz. Abarhuk and Khatam regions also made single-membered groups. The results of discriminant analysis revealed that a large number of genotypes were assigned to their original collecting locations with low probabilities indicating a high degree of genetic exchanges. The genotypes were separated in 11 different groups by K means clustering method with defined characteristics. The supplement of characterization of the germplasm was suggested through evaluating commercial traits and by molecular markers.