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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Early Access

Multivariate analysis of morphological diversity in six orange carrot germplasms cultivated in semi-arid regions of Algeria

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.11203
Submitted
8 August 2025
Published
28-12-2025

Abstract

This study explores the morphological differentiation among six orange carrot germplasms, Muscad d’Alger, Touchon, Breclium, Nantaise, Super Muscad and Nantaise améliorée, cultivated under semi-arid conditions in Algeria. A total of 30 morphological descriptors, based on criteria from both the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), were utilised to evaluate phenotypic variability and identify the most informative traits for diversity assessment, to leverage them in selection and improvement programs. The descriptors encompassed structural features of the plant, leaf morphology and root characteristics. To quantify diversity and identify classification patterns, Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H’), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering were applied. The H’ values varied widely, from 0 (e.g., root branching) to 1.32 for traits such as the length-to-width ratio of the root, shape of the root in longitudinal section, diameter of the core relative to total diameter, extent of green pigmentation in longitudinal section, root emergence above soil level and timing of root tip colouration. The average H’ across all descriptors and populations was 1.32, indicating a high level of morphological diversity. PCA results revealed that 11 out of the 30 traits contributed most significantly to the observed variance, underscoring their potential utility in discriminating between genotypes. Further multivariate analyses, including factorial correspondence and cluster analyses, which incorporated four qualitative, four pseudo-qualitative and twenty-two quantitative traits, enabled the grouping of the studied varieties into three distinct clusters. The first cluster contained Muscad varieties, the second included Touchon and Breclium, while the third comprised Nantaise and its improved variant. These findings provide a valuable framework for the strategic selection, conservation and utilisation of orange carrot germplasms in breeding programs adapted to semi-arid environments.

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