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Phenotyping of Selected Kenyan Passiflora edulis Varieties and Their Hybrids Based on Quantitative Morpho-agronomic Traits

Matheri F, Nyamai D, Ngugi MP, Runo S, Njuguna JK, Mwangi M and Kirubi DT

The passion fruit was introduced to Kenya through Europe in the 1920s, and only gained significant economic importance in the 1990s. Several species of the genus Passiflora present potential superior characteristics for genetic breeding of the passion fruit germplasm. Quantitative morpho-agronomic traits are important in passion fruit breeding since they allow for discrimination of varieties for important parameters that are useful in selection of fruit for market. The present study aimed at evaluating existing phenotypic variation between the Purple and Brazil varieties as well as their hybrids, developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). Seven quantitative morpho-agronomic traits were targeted with replication per plant and variety. Principal component technique and cluster analysis statistical tools of Minitab 17.0 software were used to discriminate the accessions under study based on the morpho-agronomic traits. Both the dendrogram and scatter plot clustered accessions based on their respective varieties, an indication of phenotypic relatedness within varieties. The results of this study will supplement the current body of knowledge on Kenyan passion fruit breeding.