Evaluation on the phenotypic diversity of Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa) germplasm in Hainan island

Abstract Calamansi or Philippine lime (Citrofortunella macrocarpa) is an important crop for local economic in Hainan Island. There is no study about Calamansi germplasm evaluation and cultivar development. In this study, Calamansi data were collected from 151 of Calamansi seedling trees, and 37 phenotypic traits were analyzed to investigate their genetic diversities. The cluster analysis and principal component analysis were conducted aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the Calamansi genetic improvement. The results of the diversity analysis revealed: (1) the diversity indexes for qualitative traits were ranged from 0.46–1.39, and the traits with the highest genetic diversity level were fruit shaped and pulp colored (H′ > 1.20); and the diversity indexes for quantitative traits ranged from 0.67–2.10, with the exception of a lower in fruit juice rate (1.08) and lower in number of petals (0.67). (2) The clustering analysis of phenotypic traits have arranged the samples into 4 categories: the first group characterized by fewer flesh Segment number per fruit (SNF) and more Oil cell number (OCN); the second group had 7 samples, all characterized with larger Crown breadth (CB), higher Yield per tree (YPT), the lager leaf, the higher Ascorbic acid (AA), and less Seed number per fruit (SNPF); the third group had 25 samples characterized by smaller Tree foot diameter (TFD),smaller Fruit shape index (FSI) and higher Total soluble solids (TSS) contain; the fourth group had 87 samples, they were characterized by shorter Petiole length (PEL), larger fruit, higher Juice ratio (JR), multiple Stamen number (SN) and longer Pistil length (PIL). (3) The principal component analysis showed the values of the first 9 major components characteristic vectors were all greater than 3, the cumulative contribution rate reach 72.20%, including the traits of single fruit weight, fruit diameter, tree height, tree canopy width etc. Finally, based on the comprehensive main component value of all samples, the Calamansi individuals with higher testing scores were selected for further observation. This study concludes that Calamansi seedling populations in the Hainan Island holds great genetic diversity in varies traits, and can be useful for the Calamansi variety improvements.