Morphological assessment of rose species and variants using multivariate analysis

Abstract

The present study was done to evaluate thirty-one rose species and cultivars based on morphological characters. India is a hotspot of wild rose species, major being R. brunonii, R. moschata, R. multiflora and R. cathayensis R. macrophylla, R. webbiana). Every species has some of the special traits which can be used for development of new cultivars suitable for specific purposes. Morphological data were recorded as per PPV& FRA guidelines and principal component analysis was done based on score data. It extracts all important variables in the form of different components. Major variables observed during assessment were plant growth habit, the shape of prickles, leaflet shape and size, leaf serration and shape of stipules. All five components were named after observing the variables of the particular component. PCA biplot was constructed between different components, species having positive value on both X and Y axis were recommended as suitable for a particular purpose. Some species such as R. banksiae, R. macrophylla, R. odorata, R. tomentosa, R. glutinosa, R. multiflora, Rose Sherbat and Dr Huey were found to be suitable for breeding cultivars having better water use efficiency, radiation use efficiency and growth dimension.