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Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops

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A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2)".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 9694

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zhoubin Liu

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Guest Editor

Engineering Research Center of Education Ministry for Germplasm Innovation and Breeding New Varieties of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biology of Hunan Province, College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
Interests: pepper; plant physiology; gene functional analysis; plant biotechnology; genetics and genomics

Dr. Junheng Lv

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biology of Yunnan Province, College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
Interests: agriculture; biotechnology; gene mapping; genetics and genomics

Dr. Zhangsheng Zhu

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Guest Editor

College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural Unbiersity, Guangzhou 510642, China
Interests: Caspicum; genetics; omics; secondary metabolites

Dr. Zhiqin Liu

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Guest Editor

College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350001, China
Interests: solanaceae vegetables; plant immunity; plant physiology; plant biochemistry
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Dear Colleagues,

Vegetable crops are an important source of people’s daily diet and are widely eaten around the world because they are rich in health-promoting vitamins and mineral nutrients. With a growing global population and increasing demand for nutritious food, there is an urgent need to improve vegetable production, quality, and resilience to environmental challenges. At present, genomics and genetic diversity research have become powerful tools to achieve the improvement in vegetable varieties by revealing the genetic basis and improving the important genetic traits.

This Special Issue aims to collect the latest research results in the field of vegetable genomics and genetic diversity. This Special Issue focuses on the research progress of the genetic regulation mechanism of key traits and the development of excellent varieties of vegetables by using modern biotechnology such as genomics in growth and development and resistance to abiotic stress. All kinds of vegetables are welcome, including but not limited to peppers, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, melons, broccoli, and carrots.

Dr. Zhoubin Liu
Dr. Junheng Lv
Dr. Zhangsheng Zhu
Dr. Zhiqin Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

vegetables
genomics
genetic diversity
growth and development
biotic and abiotic stresses
molecular mechanism

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 7579 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanisms of Morphological Development and Physiological Responses Regulated by Light Spectrum in Changchuan No. 3 Pepper Seedlings

by Wanli Zhu, Zhi Huang, Shiting Zhao, Zhi Chen, Bo Xu, Qiang Huang, Yuna Wang, Yu Wu, Yuanzhen Guo, Hailing Chen and Lanping Shi

Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101161 - 29 Sep 2025

Viewed by 413

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of specific LED light spectra on the growth and physiology of Changchuan No. 3 Capsicum annuum L. seedlings. The experimental design involved exposing pepper seedlings to six different spectral light combinations for 7, 14, and 21 days, with the treatments consisting of 2R1B1Y (red/blue/yellow = 2:1:1), 2R1B1FR (red/blue/far-red = 2:1:1), 2R1B1P (red/blue/purple = 2:1:1), 4R2B1G (red/blue/green = 4:2:1), 2R1B1G (red/blue/green = 2:1:1), and 2R1B (red/blue = 2:1). The results demonstrated distinct spectral regulation of seedling development: compared to the white light (CK), the 2R1B1FR (far-red light supplementation) treatment progressively stimulated stem elongation, increasing plant height and stem diameter by 81.6% and 25.9%, respectively, at day 21, but resulted in a more slender stem architecture. The 2R1B1G (balanced green light) treatment consistently promoted balanced growth, culminating in the highest seedling vigor index at the final stage. The 2R1B1P (purple light supplementation) treatment exhibited a strong promotive effect on root development, which became most pronounced at day 21 (126% increase in root dry weight), while concurrently enhancing soluble sugar content and reducing oxidative stress. Conversely, the 2R1B1Y (yellow light supplementation) treatment increased MDA content by 70% and led to a reduction in chlorophyll accumulation, while 2R1B (basic red–blue) resulted in lower biomass accumulation compared to the superior spectral treatments. The 4R2B1G (low green ratio) treatment showed context-dependent outcomes. This study elucidates how targeted spectral compositions, particularly involving far-red and green light, can optimize pepper seedling quality by modulating photomorphogenesis, carbon allocation, and stress physiology. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for designing efficient LED lighting protocols in controlled-environment agriculture to enhance pepper nursery production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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21 pages, 8141 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Histological, Endogenous Hormone, and Transcriptome Analysis to Reveal the Mechanism of Hormone Regulation Mediating Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Fruit Size

by Sijie Tang, Zekui Ou, Xiaowen Fan, Qijian Ning, Wei Liu, Xin Liu, Xingtian Long, Jiahao Zhou and Yuhua Liu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101150 - 25 Sep 2025

Viewed by 387

Abstract

As the only harvest organ of pepper, fruit size is an important yield determinant. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying pepper fruit size, we performed histological, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses on the pepper varieties QB6 (large fruit) and CXJ82 (small fruit). High contents of auxin and cytokinin in the early stage of fruit development promoted the rapid division of fruit cells in both varieties, which provided sufficient cells for subsequent fruit enlargement. High gibberellin accumulation induced the elongation and expansion of QB6 pericarp cells. Transcriptome analysis showed that genes related to cell division, cell wall polysaccharide degradation, and photosynthesis were highly expressed in QB6 fruit, likely contributing to its larger size. In the hormone–signal transduction factor–gene interaction network, GID6, GID1, IAA12, MYC30, and SAUR36 exhibited high correlations with numerous genes related to cell division, the cell wall, and photosynthesis, emerging as key signal transduction factors for the hormone-mediated regulation of pepper fruit size. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified the transcription factors OFP20, HD-ZIP6, and HD-ZIP13 as fundamental for pepper fruit size regulation. Our results expand the understanding of hormone regulation of pepper fruit size, providing a foundation for the breeding and improvement of excellent pepper varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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17 pages, 2681 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Genes Involved in Fruit Length Trait Formation in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

by Jie Zeng, Peiru Li, Jingwei Duan, Fei Huang, Jinqi Hou, Xuexiao Zou, Lijun Ou, Zhoubin Liu and Sha Yang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(9), 1025; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091025 - 1 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 629

Abstract

Pepper is a major horticultural crop cultivated extensively worldwide. Among its various agronomic characteristics, fruit length is a key trait influencing both yield and visual quality. Despite its importance, the genetic mechanisms regulating fruit length in Capsicum remain insufficiently characterized, hindering the development of high-yielding and aesthetically desirable cultivars. In this study, fruits at three developmental stages (0, 15, and 30 days after flowering) were sampled from the long-fruit mutant fe1 and its wild-type progenitor LY0. Phenotypic characterization and transcriptomic sequencing were conducted to identify candidate genes associated with fruit length regulation. Morphological analysis revealed that the most pronounced difference in fruit length occurred at 30 days after flowering. RNA-seq analysis identified 41,194 genes, including 13,512 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enrichment analysis highlighted key pathways, such as plant–pathogen interaction, plant hormone signal transduction, and the MAPK signaling pathway. DEG classification suggested that several downregulated genes related to early auxin responses may contribute to the regulation of fruit elongation. Notably, the gibberellin signaling gene SCL13 (Caz12g26660), transcription factors MYB48 (Caz11g07190) and ERF3-like (Caz10g00810), and the cell-wall-modifying gene XTH15-like (Caz07g19100) showed significantly elevated expression in 30-day-old fruits of fe1. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further revealed a strong positive correlation among these genes. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of eight selected DEGs confirmed the RNA-seq results. This study provides a foundational framework for dissecting the molecular regulatory network of fruit length in Capsicum, offering valuable insights for breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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15 pages, 1804 KB

Open AccessArticle

Developing Chinese Sugar Beet Core Collection: Comprehensive Analysis Based on Morphology and Molecular Markers

by Jinghao Li, Yue Song, Shengnan Li, Zhi Pi and Zedong Wu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080990 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 528

Abstract

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Beta within the family Amaranthaceae. Its root tuber can be used as an effective source for sucrose production. In the pursuit of sustainable development and maximizing the economic value of crops, the full utilization of crop germplasm resources and efficient production is necessary. To better facilitate the collection and utilization of sugar beet germplasm resources, this study used 106 accessions of multigerm sugar beet germplasm provided by the Key Laboratory of Molecular Genetic Breeding for sugar beet as materials. We evaluated the core collections constructed under various strategies using relevant genetic parameters and ultimately established two core collection construction strategies based on morphological and molecular markers. The optimal strategy based on morphological data was “Euclidean distance + Multiple clustering deviation sampling + UPGMA + 25% sampling proportion”, while the optimal strategy based on molecular marker data was “Jaccard distance + Multiple clustering random sampling + UPGMA + 20% sampling proportion”. In addition, representativeness evaluation of the core collection was conducted based on parameters related to both morphology and molecular markers. Principal component analysis (PCA) was utilized for the final determination of the core collection. The results showed that for both the morphological parameters and molecular marker-related parameters, there were no significant differences between the constructed core collection and the original germplasm; the phenotypic distribution frequencies were basically similar. Principal component analysis indicated that the core collection possessed a population structure similar to that of the original germplasm. The constructed core collection had good representativeness. This study, for the first time, proposed a core collection construction approach suitable for sugar beet by integrating morphological and molecular marker methodologies. It aimed to provide a scientific basis for the utilization and development of sugar beet germplasm resources, genetic improvement, and the breeding of new cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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13 pages, 2230 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Sugar Beet Multigerm Germplasm Resources Based on SRAP Molecular Markers

by Yue Song, Jinghao Li, Shengnan Li, Zedong Wu and Zhi Pi

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080988 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 522

Abstract

This study utilized SRAP molecular markers to analyze the genetic basis of 106 multigerm sugar beet germplasm accessions. By revealing the genetic diversity, population structure, and differentiation patterns, it aimed to tap into the germplasm potential, guide core germplasm construction and hybrid combination optimization, and ultimately design a molecular breeding route to break through bottlenecks in sugar beet genetic breeding. In total, 24 core primer combinations were screened from 546 initial primer pairs for genomic DNA amplification. The results demonstrated that each primer combination amplified an average of five alleles. Genetic parameter calculations revealed moderate variation potential. Population structure analysis divided the germplasm into four genetic groups (G1–G4), highly consistent with cluster analysis and DAPC analysis results. Its reliability was jointly confirmed by STRUCTURE convergence verification (LnP(K) standard deviation) and cluster goodness-of-fit testing (r = 0.63166, p < 0.0001). Key findings indicated that Group G4 possesses a unique genetic background, and the maximum genetic distance exists between Group G1 and the other three groups, indicating its significant genetic differentiation characteristics. Gene exchange exists between the G3 and G4 populations. Genetic variation primarily originated from within populations (93%, F_ST = 0.1283). Genetic distances spanned from 0.385 (between accessions 66 and 71 within a group) to 0.836 (between accessions 47 and 85 across groups). Concurrently, gene flow analysis (Nm = 3.3977) indicated moderate genetic exchange among populations. This achievement established the first SRAP marker-based genetic architecture for multigerm sugar beet germplasm resources. It provides a quantitative population genetics basis for formulating targeted strategies for germplasm resource conservation and utilization, and lays the foundation for constructing an innovation system for sugar beet germplasm resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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15 pages, 1741 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Figleaf Gourd and White-Seeded Pumpkin Genotypes as Promising Rootstocks for Cucumber Grafting

by Gengyun Li, Jiamei Zou, Tianrui Gong, Xuejiao Li, Jing Meng, Jie Zhang, Bin Xu and Shuilian He

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070778 - 3 Jul 2025

Viewed by 515

Abstract

Rootstocks are vital in cucumber production. Although figleaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia) is among the species used, its application remains limited due to the perception that white-seeded pumpkin (C. maxima × C. moschata) offers superior commercial traits. This perception is partly due to the insufficient collection and evaluation of local figleaf gourd germplasm, which has obscured its potential as a rootstock. Based on prior screening, four wild figleaf gourd genotypes from Yunnan Province were selected and compared with seven commercial white-seeded pumpkin rootstocks. Scions grafted onto figleaf gourd exhibited vegetative growth (stem diameter, plant height, and leaf area) and fruit morphology (length, diameter, biomass, and surface bloom) comparable to the top-performing white-seeded pumpkin genotypes. Fruits from figleaf gourd rootstocks also displayed comparable or significantly higher nutritional quality, including vitamin C, total soluble solids, soluble sugars, and proteins. Notably, figleaf gourd itself showed significantly greater intrinsic resistance to Fusarium wilt than white-seeded pumpkin. When used as a rootstock, it protected the scion from pathogen stress by triggering a stronger antioxidant response (higher SOD and POD activity) and mitigating cellular damage (lower MDA levels and electrolyte leakage). These results provide evidence that these figleaf gourd genotypes are not merely viable alternatives but are high-performing rootstocks, particularly in enhancing nutritional value and providing elite disease resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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17 pages, 5699 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Components and Color Variation Mechanism Among Three Differently Colored Peppers Based on Transcriptomics and Non-Targeted Metabolomics

by Yunrong Mo, Wei Hua, Hong Cheng, Ruihao Zhang, Pingping Li and Minghua Deng

Horticulturae 2025, 11(6), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11060638 - 6 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 791

Abstract

Fruit color serves as a crucial visual indicator in chili peppers and is closely linked to the bioactive components that determine their economic and nutritional value. However, the specific components and potential molecular mechanisms that impact fruits’ development and color changes are less thoroughly understood. Here, we utilized three chili pepper varieties (CS03, CS29, and L816) at different developmental stages (young fruit stage, turning color stage, and mature stage) as research materials and integrated transcriptome and non-targeted metabolome analyses to explore the variation in bioactive components and color to explain the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying different colors of chili peppers during the young fruit stage. Our results showed that flavonoids were the most enriched differential metabolites; aromadendrin 4′-glucoside, diospyrin, precarthamin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol-3-O-Glucoside were significantly enriched in the young fruit stage of pepper CS03; and cyanidin, delphinidin, and cyanidin 3-glucoside were major contributors to the color formation. The upregulation of anthocyanin was related to the structural genes CaC4H, Ca4CL, CaCHS, CaF3H, CaANS, and CaUFGT, and key transcription factors such as CaMYBs and CabHLHs may have contributed to the differential accumulation of anthocyanins in CS03; in addition, RT-qPCR validation was correlated with anthocyanins, but also with flavonoids. This article mainly focuses on the changes in chili pigments, particularly anthocyanins, and explores the molecular mechanisms involved. This provides a reference for research on color in solanaceae vegetables and lays a theoretical foundation for further research on the bioactive components of chili peppers, as well as for optimizing harvesting practices and dietary recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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14 pages, 6325 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Analysis of Mlo Genes and Functional Characterization of Cm-mlo38 and Cm-mlo44 in Regulating Powdery Mildew Resistance in Melon

by Fangyi Gong, Yanhong Lan, Tian Zhang, Chun Li, Yifan Li, Feng Xia, Xiaojun Liu, Duchen Liu, Genyun Liang, Peng Cai and Chao Fang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(5), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11050509 - 8 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 975

Abstract

The Mildew Resistance Locus (Mlo) gene family is reported in various species as regulators of powdery mildew (PM) resistance. However, the Mlo genes in cucurbit crops remain limited. In this study, a genome-wide investigation of Mlo genes was conducted in eight Cucurbitaceae species and in rice, maize, arabidopsis, and barley, and a total of 202 Mlo genes were identified. The phylogenetic analysis showed that 202 Mlo genes can be classified into six clades, and the Mlo genes from clades I and III are likely pivotal in regulating PM resistance in dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants, respectively. The Ka/Ks ratios for these homologous Mlo gene pairs ranged from 0 to 0.6, revealing that they underwent substantial purifying selection during evolution. Among 12 crops, there were the most Mlo genes (22 Cm-mlo) in melon. An expression analysis revealed that six Cm-mlo genes showed expression responses to PM infection in which Cm-mlo38 and Cm-mlo44 were phylogenetically close to Mlo genes that regulated PM resistance. Using the VIGS system for silencing, Cm-mlo38 and Cm-mlo44 enhanced resistance to PM in susceptible material. A protein interaction analysis indicated that Cm-mlo38 might regulate PM resistance through interactions with PR5 and CML proteins. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of the Mlo family in Cucurbitaceae and pave the way for future functional analysis and genetic improvement for improving PM resistance in Cucurbitaceae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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19 pages, 16816 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of UBP Genes in Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

by Xuerui Chang, Tiantian Wang, Jiaxin Huang, Jia Xu, Yangyang Ruan, Yanping Liang and Jing Wang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(5), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11050458 - 25 Apr 2025

Viewed by 858

Abstract

The ubiquitin-specific protease (UBP) family constitutes the largest group within the deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) and plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle, growth, and developmental processes in living organisms. By utilizing genomic and transcriptomic databases, we employed bioinformatics tools to identify UBP family members within pepper genomes and to analyze the expression profiles of CaUBP genes under various abiotic stresses, as well as in different tissues and organs. Our findings revealed the presence of 40 CaUBPs in peppers, exhibiting significant variation in their physicochemical properties. Subcellular localization studies indicated that all CaUBPs are localized in the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis categorized the 40 CaUBPs into 11 distinct subfamilies (G1–G11), with the largest subfamily comprising seven members. Members within the same subfamily displayed similar domain and motif structures. The promoter regions of CaUBP genes were found to be enriched with elements responsive to light, stress, and hormones. Syntenic analysis revealed that 12 CaUBPs were mapped to the Arabidopsis thaliana genome, suggesting potential functional conservation. Additionally, tandem duplications were observed in the alignment of two sets of genes within the pepper genome. CaUBPs were implicated in the stress response and organ growth, with CaUBP17/34/35 showing significant changes in expression under heat stress. While most genes were not expressed in leaves, the expression of several genes (CaUBP3/17/27/32/35/38) in flowers was significantly altered. This study establishes a foundation for further exploration of the roles of CaUBPs in pepper growth, development, and stress response mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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15 pages, 8706 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification of the SmHD-zip Genes That Respond to Multiple Ripening-Related Signals in Eggplant Fruit

by Caiqian Jiang, Yunrong Mo, Haoran Zhang, Kaiyun Chen, Ying Zhou, Zushuai Ma, Yuhao Jing, Yu Liu, Yanyan Wang and Kai Zhao

Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030261 - 28 Feb 2025

Viewed by 648

Abstract

The homeodomain–leucine zipper (HD-zip) gene family plays a crucial role in plant development and stress responses. However, systematic identification studies of this gene family in eggplant are still lacking. In this study, we systematically identified 44 HD-zip genes in the eggplant genome database using bioinformatics methods and analyzed their expression levels under light and multiple hormones by RT-qPCR. The results show that members of the SmHD-zip gene family were classified into four groups (HD-zip I, II, III, and IV) based on the phylogenetic relationship. Cis-acting elements related to plant development, hormones, and stress were identified in the promoter regions of the SmHD-zip gene family. Furthermore, the expression of the SmHDZ2 gene was upregulated during the fruit development stage, while nine SmHD-zip genes exhibited downregulated expression patterns. Notably, some SmHD-zip genes were identified as key regulators of eggplant responses to light and multiple hormone signals. Overall, these findings not only provide valuable insights into the evolutionary and functional characteristics of eggplant HD-Zips but also suggest that HD-zip genes likely play a significant role in regulating fruit development and ripening by integrating light and multiple hormone signaling pathways. Therefore, this study laid the foundation for further research on eggplant quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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16 pages, 2739 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Novel Alleles of the Potato Leaf Gene Identified in Italian Traditional Varieties Conferring Potato-like Leaf Shape in Tomato

by Lorenzo Mancini, Barbara Farinon, Ludovica Fumelli, Maurizio Enea Picarella, Andrea Mazzucato and Fabrizio Olivieri

Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020129 - 25 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1185

Abstract

The genetic diversity of tomato in Italy and the growing interest in high-quality food products highlight the importance of establishing varietal distinctiveness through molecular strategies to ensure agrifood product quality and traceability. In this study, four Italian potato-like leaf (PL) landraces were analyzed: “Spagnoletta di Formia e di Gaeta” (SPA) from southern Lazio, “Giagiù” (GIA) and “Patanara” (PTN) from Campania, and “Pomodoro di Mola” (MOL) from Apulia. These landraces were genotyped for the potato leaf gene (C), with two PL American genotypes and a non-allelic PL mutant line included as outgroups. Nagcarlang served as control. An allelism test confirmed C as determinant gene. The SCAR marker for C revealed that the Italian landraces presented determinants other than the most representative one responsible for PL. Whole-genome sequencing of SPA identified a private novel nonsense SNP variant allele, confirmed through dCAPS marker analysis. Additionally, two novel PL alleles responsible for missense variations were identified in GIA/PTN and MOL. In silico protein analysis suggested that novel C alleles could be functional determinants for the protein activity. Overall, PL mutations identified for the first time could serve as molecular tools for agrifood chain traceability, enabling early differentiation and recognition of genotypically similar varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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15 pages, 2067 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Genetic Analysis of Edible-Podded Pea Genotypes: Variability, Heritability, and Multivariate Approach Across Two Agro-Climatic Zones in India

by Saurabh Yadav, Rajinder Kumar Dhall, Hira Singh, Parteek Kumar, Priti Sharma, Pradeep Kumar, Priyanka Kumari and Neha Rana

Horticulturae 2025, 11(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11010022 - 1 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1375

Abstract

Evaluating genetically superior genotypes is essential for developing new hybrid varieties. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of 28 edible-podded pea genotypes by analyzing phenological traits, vigor, yield, and biochemical traits across two distinct agro-climatic zones in India. Significant variation was observed for most traits, with high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, and genetic advance, especially in vigor, yield, and biochemical traits. Phenological traits, except for the node at which the first flower appeared, exhibited minimal variability, indicating a high degree of uniformity. Yield per plant was negatively correlated with plant height but positively correlated with pod length, the number of seeds per pod, the number of pods per plant, and pod weight, indicating the potential for the simultaneous selection of these traits in breeding programs. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified six components explaining over 75% of the total variation, with yield and biochemical traits contributing the most to the observed diversity. These findings provide crucial insights for breeders aiming to improve quantitative traits, supporting the development of high-yielding and climate-resilient edible-podded pea varieties in India. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Genetic Diversity in Vegetable Crops)

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