Genetic diversity among indigenous pomegranate (Punica Granatum) accessions collected from Kashmir valley

The present study was aimed to determine the genetic variability in indigenous accessions of pomegranate collected from Kashmir Valley. On the basis of morphological and physico-chemical characteristics, 33 genotypes were identified by intensive survey in various districts of Kashmir valley during 2009-2010. Cluster analysis and PCA showed a significant phenotypic and genetic diversity among all the collected accessions. All the accessions could be grouped in to two major groups. Majority of them fall second group which was further clustered into two sub-groups. Accession No. 1 and 16 found unique and showed maximum dissimilarity from the rest of the accessions. The greater part of variance was accounted by traits such as yield/ tree, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fruit volume, general appearance, total aril weight, fruit rind colour, fruit size and rind weight showed wide variability among the accessions which could be utilized for further and future breeding programme.