Study of Genetic Variation on 20 Iranian Apricots Using Leaf Morphological Markers

This research was carried out at Seed and Plant Improvement Research Center of Karaj, Iran. The In this experiment was conducted based on a Rondomized Complet Block Designe with four replication, and 17 leaf characters were evaluated in 20 Iranian apricot genotypes. The aim of this research was to develop quantitative methods for description of the apricot genotypes. Morphological characters included: Leaf blade: (Length, Width, Length/width ratio, Intensity of green colour of upper side, Shape of base, Angle of apex, Length of tip, Incisions of margin, Undulation of margin, Profile in cross section, Chlorophyll content. Petiole: (Length, Length of blade/length of petiole ratio, Thickness, Anthocyanin colouration of upperside, Predominant number of Nectaris) and weight of ten leaves. The name of genotypes were as follows BN-KB 21, BN-HS 524, BN-RE527, Jahangiri, Shahrood49, Shahrood15, Shahrood48, BN-KB 29, BN-KB 576, Shahrood48A, BN-KB 31, Azgadi, BN-NO 512, BN-KB 7, Shahrood31, BN-SH 723, Royal, Shahrood18, BN-KB 40, BN-KB 24. Results showed that: The difference between genotypes was significant and therefore the difference between leaf morphological characters could be used to distinguish between genotypes in these Iran apricots.