DefinePK

Abstract

In this study, variability in eight pod traits of 300 genotypes (mother-tree) of A. tortilis ssp. raddiana (Savi) Brenan collected from southern regions of Morocco was assessed. In the analysis of variance, we found that Acacia raddiana have significant differences in all traits due to genotype within provenances, but only in pod length, seed weight per pod, seed number per pod, infected seed number per pod and 100-seed weight due to provenances. In general phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation, indicating the predominant role of environment. High heritability and genotypic gain were recorded for 100-seed weight (92.75 and 17.20%), empty pod weight (53.68 and 21.18%) and pod weight (46.45 and 16.13%), respectively, indicating the additive gene action. Seed weight had positive correlation with seed length, pod weight, seed weight per pod and empty pod weight. On the basis of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the hierarchical cluster analysis, respectively, tow clusters were obtained with highest number of provenances falling under cluster I. The first cluster is composed of the provenances: Agdz, N’koub, Tazarine, Mceissi, Tata and Tissint, the second cluster presented by the provenances: Foum Zguid, Gluemim, Mseid and Assa. Among the clusters formed cluster 1 presents the best means for the majority of traits studied.