Exploring Morpho-biochemical Diversity in Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) for Advanced Breeding Approaches

Background: Tamarindus indica L., commonly known as Tamarind, is a unique species in the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family. It is known for its economic and nutritional importance. The genetic diversity of Tamarind is crucial for breeding and conservation purposes. Despite its significance, there is limited research on the phenotypic variations among Tamarind clones, particularly concerning their morphological and biochemical traits. Understanding these variations is essential for improving Tamarind cultivars in terms of yield and quality. This study aims to fill this gap by assessing the phenotypic diversity in Tamarind clones using a range of morphological and biochemical parameters. Methods: The study was conducted on a 10-year-old clonal assemblage of Tamarind. A total of 60 Tamarind clones were evaluated over two consecutive years (2019-2020 and 2020-2021). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design. The correlation, multiple linear regression, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were analysed in the morphological and biochemical traits to understand the contribution variation and relationship among these clones. Result: The results indicated significant diversity among the 60 Tamarind clones. High coefficient of variation was observed in annual yield per tree. The PCA revealed that the first five principal components accounted for 81.77% of the total variation, with the first two components explaining 65.89% of the variance. A strong positive correlation and relationship were found between fruit weight and annual yield per tree. The hierarchical cluster analysis resulted in the categorization of the genotypes into three distinct clusters, each characterized by unique morphological and physiochemical traits. These findings are crucial for breeders focusing on enhancing Tamarind cultivars for better yield and quality.