Analyzing phenotypic diversity in Brassica rapa genotypes based on morpho-physiological characteristics using multivariate analyses

To estimate variability in Brassica rapa, 60 locally collected genotypes, including two check cultivars (BSA and Toria A), were collected at diverse locations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. These 60 genotypes, along with two check cultivars, were evaluated for various traits of interest under field conditions in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The evaluated genotypes showed significant variations in the studied traits. The recorded data were analyzed for genetic relationships among various traits using the statistical package Statistica version 7. Cluster analysis was performed to divide the genotypes into five groups. The first five PCs with eigenvalues > 1 contributed 40.0%, 50.7%, 59.2%, 66.4%, and 73.0% of the variability during the study period. Based on the morphological characterization, genotypes with desirable traits can be used in future breeding programs. The genotypes used in the present study showed significant variation in various traits of interest. Utilizing these genotypes in breeding programs can broaden the genetic background of the available germplasm, and some can be directly used as cultivars.

Automated summary

This study collected 60 locally collected genotypes of Brassica rapa in diverse locations in Pakistan and evaluated their traits. The genotypes showed significant variation in the studied traits. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis identified genotypes with desirable traits that can be used in future breeding programs.