Phenotyping of Selected Kenyan Passiflora edulis Varieties and Their Hybrids Based on Quantitative Morpho-agronomic Traits
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Date
2016
Authors
Matheri, F.
Nyamai, D.
Ngugi, M.P.
Runo, Steven
Njuguna, J.K.
Mwangi, M.
Kirubi, D.T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
OMICS International
Abstract
The passion fruit was introduced to Kenya through Europe in the 1920s, and only gained significant economic
importance in the 1990s. Several species of the genus Passiflora present potential superior characteristics for
genetic breeding of the passion fruit germplasm. Quantitative morpho-agronomic traits are important in passion fruit
breeding since they allow for discrimination of varieties for important parameters that are useful in selection of fruit
for market. The present study aimed at evaluating existing phenotypic variation between the Purple and Brazil
varieties as well as their hybrids, developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
(KALRO). Seven quantitative morpho-agronomic traits were targeted with replication per plant and variety. Principal
component technique and cluster analysis statistical tools of Minitab 17.0 software were used to discriminate the
accessions under study based on the morpho-agronomic traits. Both the dendrogram and scatter plot clustered
accessions based on their respective varieties, an indication of phenotypic relatedness within varieties. The results
of this study will supplement the current body of knowledge on Kenyan passion fruit breeding
Description
Research Article
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Citation
Matheri F, Nyamai D, Ngugi MP, Runo S, Njuguna JK, et al. (2016) Phenotyping of Selected Kenyan Passiflora edulis Varieties and Their Hybrids Based on Quantitative Morpho-agronomic Traits. J Hortic 3: 181. doi:10.4172/2376-0354.1000181