Genetic Diversity and Trait Relationships in some Camelina Genotypes under Semi-Arid Conditions

Authors

  • Naser Sabaghnia Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
  • Asghar Ebadi 2- Moghan College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
  • Mohsen Janmohammadi 1- University of Maragheh, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Maragheh, Iran
  • Mehdi Mohebodini 3- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

Keywords:

Camelina sativa, morpho-physiological traits, cluster analysis, seed yield

Abstract

This research evaluated twelve camelina genotypes, including eleven accessions and one variety (Soheil), over two consecutive growing seasons (2023-2024) at the semi-arid experimental farm of Parsabad, northwestern Iran. Field trials followed a randomized block arrangement with three replicates, and phenological traits (days to flowering and maturity), morphological characteristics (plant height, stem diameter, and height of first branch), and yield attributes (thousand-seed weight, pods per plant, seeds per pod, and yield performance) were quantified. Results demonstrated substantial phenotypic variability among genotypes, particularly for yield-related traits, indicating significant potential for selection and genetic improvement, while phenological traits exhibited low variability. Cluster analysis revealed four and three distinct genotype groups in the first and second years, respectively, with some genotypes consistently grouped across years, reflecting relatively low-variability. Trait-based dendrograms divided measured traits into two functional categories as phenology and plant height versus seed yield and related components. Although environmental effects influenced the magnitude of trait expression across years, genotypes with superior seed yield and thousand-seed weight were identified as promising candidates for breeding. The findings highlighted the potential of combining morpho-physiological evaluation with multivariate and clustering analyses to identify high-performing, genetically divergent camelina genotypes. Genotypes 1 from unknown source, 8 from Germany, and 12 as check cultivar from Iran, offered opportunities for breeding programs aimed at improving yield stability, and adaptability to semi-arid conditions. These insights provided a foundation for both future breeding efforts and the broader adoption of camelina as a multifunctional oilseed crop under challenging environments.

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Published

2026-07-01

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Plant Science

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Copyright (c) 2026 Naser Sabaghnia, Asghar Ebadi, Mohsen Janmohammadi, Mehdi Mohebodini

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