Plant, Algae, and Environment

Plant, Algae, and Environment

Cluster Analysis of Genetic Variation based on Some Morphological Traits of Summer Savory Genotypes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Naser Sabaghnia 1
Mehdi Mohebodini 2
Karim Farmanpour-Kalalagh 3
Amir Nikrouz-Gharamaleki 2
1 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran.
2 Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
3 Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
10.48308/pae.2026.239699.1115
Abstract
This study investigated the morphological variability among 29 summer savory accessions using a randomized block design with four replications. Morphological characteristics, biomass-related traits, and essential oil content were evaluated, and the genetic relationships among accessions were assessed using multivariate cluster analysis based on Euclidean distance. Significant differences were detected among the accessions for most measured traits, with high coefficients of variation observed for plant fresh weight, stem fresh weight, root fresh weight, and other biomass-related characteristics, indicating substantial genetic variability within the germplasm. Cluster analysis identified three distinct groups of genotypes. Cluster-I consisted of 13 accessions with the highest values for biomass production and essential oil content. Cluster II contained three accessions, primarily from northwest Iran, with higher plant heights, stem lengths, and internode distances.. Cluster-III, which included 13 accessions, exhibited high essential oil content and moderate biomass. These clusters suggest that specific genotypes are better suited for enhancing different agronomic and biochemical traits, such as biomass production and essential oil yield, which are critical for cultivar release in summer savory. The genetic variability observed among the accessions provides a promising foundation for selective breeding programs focused on optimizing both biomass production and essential oil content. The findings of the current study provide deeper insights into the genetic potential of summer savory and highlight its suitability for genetic improvement programs aimed at enhancing both yield performance and essential oil content. The identification of valuable genotypes with high biomass and essential oil content highlights the significance of conserving landraces and harnessing their genetic diversity in future breeding efforts.
Keywords
Dendrogram
Dry weight of plant
Genetic variation
Essential oil
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Plant, Algae, and Environment
Volume 10, Issue 2
DOi
2026
Pages 76-90