Transcriptome analysis reveals effects of red and blue lightemitting diodes(LEDs)on the growth,chlorophyll fluorescence and endogenous plant hormones of potato(Solanum tuberosum L.)plantlets cultured in vitro

Red and blue light illumination has been reported to significantly affect plantlet growth.Potato is an important food and feed crop in the world and potato plantlet cultured in vitro plays an important role in potato production.However,few studies have documented the effects of red and blue light on the growth of potato plantlets revealed at the transcriptome level.The objective of this study was to determine the growth and physiological responses of potato plantlets cultured in vitro under monochromatic red(RR),monochromatic blue(BB)as well as combined red and blue(RB)LEDs using the RNA-Seq technique.In total,3150 and 814 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were detected in potato plantlets under RR and BB,respectively,compared to RB(used as control).Compared to the control,the DEGs enriched in"photosynthesis"and"photosynthesis-antenna proteins"metabolic pathways were up-regulated and down-regulated by BB and RR,respectively,which might be responsible for the increases and decreases of maximum quantum yield(F_(v)/F_(m)),photochemical quantum yield(φ_(PSII)),photochemical quenching(q_(P))and electron transfer rate(ETR)in BB and RR,respectively.Potato plantlets exhibited dwarfed stems and extended leaves under BB,whereas elongated stems and small leaves were induced under RR.These dramatically altered plantlet phenotypes were associated with variable levels of endogenous plant hormones gibberellin(GAs),indoleacetic acid(IAA)and cytokinins(CKs),as assessed in stems and leaves of potato plantlets.In addition,monochromatic red and blue LEDs trigged the opposite expression profiles of DEGs identified in the"plant hormone signal transduction"metabolic pathway,which were closely related to the endogenous plant hormone levels in potato plantlets.Our results provide insights into the responses of potato plantlets cultured in vitro to red and blue LEDs at the transcriptomic level and may contribute to improvements in the micro-propagation of potato plantlets cultured in vitro from the light spectrum aspect.

Environmental, morphological and physiological factors analyzes for optimization of potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i>L.) microtuber <i>in vitro</i>germination

The microtuber is considered one of the most effective means of spreading basic materials, as well as transporting and preserving potato germplasm varieties. To define the optimal conditions for the potato microtuber in vitro germination of Aida, Atlas and Odessa varieties, the effects of temperature, physiological age and grade (size) were evaluated. The study conducted at three different temperature levels has demonstrated that the most favorable temperature for microtuber germination at a higher and faster germination rate was 25℃, regardless of the variety. In addition, microtubers of large caliber, greater than 4 mm, germinate more quickly, with a higher germination rate, than smaller size ones (less than 4 mm) for all genotypes. For Atlas, Aida and Odessa varieties, a germination rate equal to 86.66%, 70% and 70% respectively, was obtained for microtubers with a caliber superior to 4 mm. Physiological age influences microtuber germination. The mean length of sprouts, reached after a 7 week incubation period, was more marked at “multiple sprout” and “branched sprout” stages than at a “monosprout” stage. The average length was 2.35 cm, 2.48 cm and 1.5 cm, respectively. Thus, it is necessary to plant microtubers at a “multiple sprout” stage to optimize their yield in plants and minitubers.

Residual Effects of Sucrose and Hormonal Treatments of the Tuberization Medium on <i>in Vitro</i>Germination of Potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i>L.) Microtubers

The residual effects of sucrose concentrations (80 or 100 g·L-1) and hormonal treatments (BAP + Kinetin or Coumarin) of tuberization medium on in vitro microtubers germination of three potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum L.) so called Aida, Atlas and Odessa, are described. After 3 weeks of incubation at 28℃ ± 1℃, 70% of Aida microtubers variety, previously formed in the MT2 medium [MS/2 + 80 g·L-1 Sucrose], germinated. The best germination rate for varieties Atlas (100%) and Odessa (66.66%) was obtained on microtubers previously formed in the medium MT2 [MS/2 + 100 g·L-1 Sucrose]. The addition of hormones in the tuberization medium allowed optimizing the microtubers germination of the Aida variety unlike the other varieties. Indeed, for the Aida variety, the combination M5 [Kin 2.5 mg·L-1 + Coum 0.025 mg·L-1 + Sucrose 80 g·L-1] increased the germination rate from 70% up to 93.33%. The best germination rate (90%), noticed with microtubers of Atlas variety, initially formed in M2 medium [Kin 1 mg·L-1 + BAP 1 mg·L-1 + Sucrose 100 g·L-1], was lower than that one (100%) obtained on medium without hormones. For Odessa variety, the maximum germination rate (53.33%) of microtubers, from the medium M4 [Kin 2.5 mg·L-1 + BAP 1 mg·L-1 + Sucrose 100 g·L-1], was also lower than that one (66.66%) observed in the medium without hormones. Aida and Atlas varieties thus offer a better germination rate than Odessa after their cold storage.

Preliminary Findings on Yield Response of Potatoes （Solanum tuberosum） to Umostart Super Zn （11.46,0 ＋ 2 Zn ＋ Humates）

Field trials to determine the yield response of potatoes to Umostart Super Zn （USZ） fertilizer （11.46.0 ＋ 2 Zn ＋ Humates） were carried out in 2004 using the cultivar Tigoni. During the long rains season, the treatments included USZ at 15 kg ha^-1 at planting; 30 kg ha^-1 split into 15 kg ha^-1 at planting and 15 kg ha^-1 during final earthing-up; 30 kg ha^-1 at planting; and 45 kg ha^-1 at planting. Treatments during the short rains included USZ at 30 kg ha^-1 split into 15 kg ha^-1 at planting and 15 kg ha^-1 during final earthing-up; 30 kg ha^-1 at planting; 40 kg ha^-1 at planting; 50 kg ha^-1 at planting; 50 kg ha^-1 split into 25 kg ha^-1 at planting and 25 kg ha^-1 during final earthing-up; and 60 kg ha^-1 at planting. USZ was contrasted with Diammonium phosphate （DAP） fertilizer （18：46：0） at 300 kg ha^-1 and 500 kg ha^-1 applied at planting and a control in which no fertilizer was applied. The DAP 300 kg ha^-1 treatment was however, not included during the long rains season. The highest tuber yields among the USZ treatments were obtained in plots treated with 45 kg ha^-1 （27.11 t ha^-1） during the long rains and 60 kg ha^-1 （55.17 t ha^-1） during the short rains season. Application of USZ resulted in a yield increase of at least 3.90 and 19.06 t ha^-1 during the long and short rains seasons respectively.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Correlation of Some Morphological and Yield Components Traits in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Collections

The study was conducted with the main objective to evaluate the genetic variability, heritability, and clustering pattern exploration of morphological and yield related traits in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) collections in the bimodal rainfall agroecological zone of Cameroon using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The data obtained on morphological and yield traits were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the viability rate of the collections varied from 77.78% to 96.55% respectively for the Maffo and Desiree collections, while the greatest number of tubers per plant varied from 4 to 18 respectively for Synergie and Desiree. The emergence rate varies from 60% to 1.66% respectively for Maffo et Doza collections. However, Desiree presents the highest TL (96.55) while Maffo shows the lowest value (77.78%). The yield per hectare varied from 1.14 to 9.3 t/h for Maffo and Doza respectively. For all the characteristics observed, Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation (PCV) were higher than Genotypic Coefficients of Variation (GCV) suggesting the role of environment in the expression of traits under observation. The highest GCV and PCV 47.55 and 58.94 respectively were observed for Diameter at the collar (DC). Most of the traits showed high GAM (>20%)) except Average Tuber Length (ATL) with a moderate value (19.8). In terms of vegetative development, the Desiree variety showed the highest performance. Based on the growth and yield results, Doza seems to be the most recommendable crop in the study area.

Genetic Diversity and Yield Stability of Potato(Solanum tuberosum L.)

The present study was under taken to investigate the genetic distance and the performance of thirty one potato genotypes in diverse environments.Multivariate and canonical analysis were used to study genetic diversity among the genotypes and stability parameters were estimated according to Eberhart and Russell,Parkinge and Jinks and Freeman and Perkins models for plant height,branch number per plant,tuber number and tuber weight.Thirty one genotypes were grouped in to six clusters with the help of Mahalonobis distance and canonical analysis.The stability analysis revealed that yield was greatly influenced by the environments.Most of the studied genotypes were sensitive for yield with the environment.For over-all performance 'Hera','Chamak','Patnai','Lala pakri','TPS-7','TPS-364','Somerset' and 'Superior' were the best genotypes for tuber yield and breeding material for potato breeding.

Influence of the Size of Potato Microtubers (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i>L.) on the Yield of Plants under Semi-Axenic Conditions

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a vegetable that ranks fifth in the world for human consumption. Its importance is growing more and more in the Senegalese diet. However, the potato production in Senegal does not meet the needs of the market, which maintains dependence on the outside for the supply of quality seeds. In addition, these imported seeds do not often have phytosanitary qualities required for local production in the Sahelian zone. The in vitro production of microtubers, used as seed, has been shown to be one of the most efficient means for propagation of basic material. To overcome the constraints linked to the supply and availability of potato seeds, with high germination capacity, the impact of the microtuber size on the yield of the plants under semi-controlled conditions was examined. The pre-germinated microtubers were produced in vitro from vitroplants of 3 different varieties (Aida, Atlas, Odessa) adapted to the edaphic-climatic conditions of Senegal. The effects of the seed sizes of microtubers, greater than 4 mm, sown under semi-controlled conditions, on the yield of the plants, result in an increase in the ratio, in the vegetative development of the plants, but also in the number and size of the minitubers harvested. The yield of the plants also depends on the variety. It can therefore be envisaged to produce local potato seeds from microtubers and minitubers.

Impact of Organic Soil Amendments on the Physical Characteristics and Yield Components of Potato （Solanum tuberosurn L.） in the Highlands of Cameroon

A field experiment was conducted in the Western Highlands of Cameroon to study the effects of Calliandra calothyrsus, sterilized compost, non-sterilized compost and mineral fertilizers （NPK 11：11：22） on physical characteristics, yield components and late blight disease severity of potato （Solanum tuberosum）. A two factorial treatment combination made up of fertilization schemes and sanitary measures were laid out in a randomized complete block design （RCBD） with four replicates and 10 treatments. Data collected were subjected to a multivariate ANOVA and means separated with the Dunnett t-test with Calliandra calothyrsus considered as the main treatment. Mineral fertilizers and Calliandra calothyrsus significantly augmented stem diameter, plant height and plant vigor, total and marketable yields, despite the fact that late blight severity was high in the two treatments. The correlation matrix showed that total yield had significant and positive correlation with stem diameter （r = 0.74）, plant height （r = 0.61）, plant vigor （r = 0.61） and marketable yield （r = 0.99） and negative correlation （r = -37） with late blight severity. The increase observed is attributed to the nutrient contents of the treatments applied. Leafy prunings of C. calothyrsus increase soil organic matter which probably improves moisture retention and biological activity. The highest late blight severity recorded between the 45 and 60 coincides with active development of plant canopy which influences disease severity and create a canopy microclimate conducive to disease development. This study suggests that Calliandra calothyrsus has the potential of improving potato production provided appropriate fungicide is used.

Isolation of a Plasmalemma Aquaporin Encoding Gene StPIP1 from Solanum tuberosum L. and Its Expression in Transgenic Tobacco

Aquaporin （AQP） belongs to a highly conserved group of membrane proteins considered as major intrinsic proteins, which facilitate water transport across biological membranes. The discovery of AQPs in plants has resulted in a paradigm shift in the understanding of plant-water relations, however, the potential relationship between the role of aquaporins in regulating plant water balance and drought tolerance still remains elusive. In this study, the gene encoding potato AQP cDNA, StPIP1 （GenBank accession no. DQ999080）, was cloned from the leaf of potato cultivar Gannongshu 2 by reverse transcription-PCR （RT-PCR）. Sequence alignment was made by BLASTn in GenBank, the phylogenetic analysis was conducted using PHYLIPWY, the 3D structure was predicted in Swiss-Model server. Subcellular localization of StPIP1 was performed by constructing CaMV35S-StPIP1-GFP and rd29A-StPIP1-GFP fusion proteins and transient expression in onion epidermis. To understand StPIP1 physiological functions in potato under various stress conditions, the StPIP1 gene in a reverse orientation was transformed into tobacco driven by the Cauliflower mosaic virus （CMV） 35S promoter. The expression levels of transgenic and wild-type plants were assessed under various abiotic stress conditions using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and the morphological and physiological responses of transgenic plants to different stress conditions were investigated. The expression of StPIP1 mRNA decreased in transgenic plants under non-stress and stress conditions, however, the reduction was more severer under drought stress. In both non-stress and stress conditions, StPIP1 was expressed predominantly in root. The morphological and physiological investigation showed no significant differences in growth rate, germination rate, and root fresh weight （FW） between transgenic and wild-type plants when grown under favorable conditions. In contrast, under drought stress, the reduction in StPIPI expression leads to a delay in seed germination and seedling growth, accelerated seedling wilt, and leaf morphological abnormity. Under ＂enough＂ water conditions （i.e., water culture）, the aerial parts of anti-sense plants showed no differences. However, for the aerial parts to accumulate the same amount of biomass, transgenic plants needed about 3 times more abundant root system to transport water for plant growth than wild-type plants. Morphological investigation showed that the reduction in StPIP1 expression increased the root system in transgenic plants under drought stress. As a result, the increase of root mass might compensate the reduced cellular water permeability in order to ensure a sufficient water supply for the plant. Results demonstrated that StPIP1 plays an important role for water transportation in potato, especially under drought stress conditions. The reduced expression of StPIP1 decreases the cellular water transport and influences the expression of endogenous AQPs genes and thereby, has impacts on seed germination, seedling growth, and stress responses of potato to drought conditions.

Molecular Cloning and Expression Analysis of a FT Homologous Gene from Solanum tuberosum

A homologue of flowering locus T gene, designated StFT, was isolated from Solanum tuberosum by reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction （accession no. GU223211）. The DNA sequence of StFT was 1 626 bp long and contained four exons and three introns. The open reading frame of the gene was 522 bp long and encoded a putative protein of 173 amino acids with a molecular weight of 19.75 kD and a theoretical pI of 7.76. StFT protein had a conserved PBP domain and a higher degree of identity with FT homologous members from other species. Analysis on the mRNA levels of StFT showed that it was highly expressed in leaves, apical buds, flowers, and swelling stolons. Further analysis indicated that its expression was regulated by CONSTANS gene in StCOL-antisense transgenic potato plants.

Growth of Micropropagated Solanum tuberosum L.Plantlets under Artificial Solar Spectrum and Different Mono-and Polychromatic LED Lights

In agriculture,LED light sources have increasingly replaced the standard luminescent lamps and have acquired an important role in plant micropropagation.We studied the effect of different light sources such as narrow-band LEDs(bright blue,blue,green,yellow,deep red,and red)and wide-band LEDs(cold white,white,warm white,full spectrum,and an artificial solar spectrum sun box constructed by us)on development of potato plantlets in vitro.White luminescent lamps were used as a control.The light intensity of 49μmol·m^(-2)·s^(-1)was provided in all light treatments.We showed that the long-wave narrow-band light treatments were inapplicable for potato micropropagation,because plantlets were weak with small leaves,inhibited roots,and significantly elongated stems.Blue lights provided growth of shortened plantlets with large leaves,well-growing roots,and abundant green mass.The chlorophyll content was lower under blue and bright blue light and was at the same level in the remained treatments.Significant differences in the stomatal apparatus development were observed depending on the light source.These differences were not always reflected in the plantlet phenotype:e.g.,plantlets under blue and bright blue lights showed no differences in any characteristics except stomatal density and size of stomatal guard cells.We found no significant effect of blue light portion in the white lights and full spectrum on plantlet growth.An artificial solar spectrum sun box was the most suitable for potato micropropagation,because it supported the development of plantlets with good fitness,uniform internodes length,abundant roots and green mass accumulation.

冷驯化前后野生马铃薯Solanum acaule内参基因的筛选

为找到表达稳定性最好的内参基因,利用实时荧光定量PCR技术分析了4个内参基因ef1-a、Actin、β-tubulin2和β-tubulin3在野生马铃薯S.acaule冷驯化前后的表达稳定性。结果表明:β-tubulin2和ef1-a表达均稳定,Actin变化最大。因此,β-tubulin2和ef1-a适宜作为野生马铃薯S.acaule的内参基因。

Classification and Integration of Storage and Transportation Engineering Technologies in Potato Producing Areas of China

Considering the development of potato （Solanum tuberosum） industry in China, the existing technologies of potato storage and transportation in the produc- ing area were analyzed through investigation on four main potato production areas. Unear classification was used to conduct the technology classification. According to the technical attributes and characteristics, the potato technologies of storage and transportation in producing area were classified with large classes, middle classes, small classes and subclasses, into the agricultural production area processing and storage engineering technology system, to reveal the structure and functions. Mean- while, the widely used technologies were integrated and summarized into 5 principal technology integration programs, which could be used for the technology integration of the new management subjects such as planting professional cooperatives, family farms, enterprises and so on.

基于SOLANUM模型的甘肃中东部马铃薯潜在产量研究

为探究马铃薯专用生长模拟模型SOLANUM对甘肃省中东部马铃薯产量预测的适用性,并分析该地区主要气候因子对马铃薯产能差的影响。本试验以3个马铃薯基因型为参试材料,利用SOLANUM模型计算并校准甘肃省天水市和定西市马铃薯模型参数,并对SOLANUM模型进行统计学的模型评价。结果表明,SOLANUM模型在甘肃省适用性评价中,产量和冠层覆盖度模拟结果相对均方根误差(RRMSE)均在16%~76.2%之间,模型效应系数(EF)在0.068~0.805之间。相关性分析表明,产能差变化与太阳辐射变化相关系数为0.8,与年降雨量变化相关系数为0.71;潜在产量与年降雨量相关系数为0.92,与太阳辐射相关系数为0.78;实际产量与年降雨量相关系数为0.89,与太阳辐射相关系数为0.68。综上,SOLANUM模型对甘肃省中东部地区马铃薯潜在产量和冠层覆盖度模拟具有适用性,但还需对马铃薯生长发育和生育期长短的估算进行深入研究,从而提高模型模拟精度和适用性。为缩小产能差,甘肃省应选择晚熟抗旱马铃薯品种种植。本研究结果为补充SOLANUM模型模拟精度和提高甘肃省马铃薯潜在产量提供了决策依据。

Effects of Cerium on Accumulation of Anthocyanins and Expression of Anthocyanin Biosynthetic Genes in Potato Cell Tissue Cultures

The effects of Ce （Ⅳ） on callus growth, anthocyanin content, and expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in callus suspension cultures of Solanum tuberosum cv. Chieftain were studied by the measurement of fresh weight, spectrophotometric assays, and semiquantitative RT-PCR. The results indicate that 0.1 mmol·L^- 1 Ce （ Ⅳ ） can promote callus growth, increase the accumulation of anthocyanins, and enhance the expression of five anthocyanin biosynthetic genes （ CHS, F3H, F3＇5＇H, DFR, and 3 GT） most efficiently. At high concentrations of 1 mmol·L^- 1, Ce （Ⅳ） partially inhibits callus growth and at 2 mmol· L^-1 eventually lends to cell death. The results show that Ce（ Ⅳ ） can induce the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes to produce and accumulate anthocyanins and increase the yield of anthocyanins.

The Key Factors Affecting Tuber Development of Potato in vitro and the Relation with Protein Fractions

According to previous analysis, some properties bounding up with tuber yield were investigated. The results showed that tuber average weight, plastid Mg2 + -ATPase activity, plastid Ca2 + -ATPase activity, mitochondria Mg2 + -ATPase activity, total soluble protein content, tuber average diameter, and Q-enzyme activity were important factors determining the tuber yield. The linear regression equation was:Y = 0.5211 + 0.0595X(1)+0.8389X(2) +0.0882X(3) -0.0073X(4) +0.1449X(5) +0.3510X(6) +0.0031X(7) -0.00003X(8) + 0.3412X(9) + 0.0127X(10) + 0.2904X(ll) + 0.0570X(12) + 0.0159X(13) + 0.3585X(14) + 0.0134X(15) - 0.1012X(16). At the same time, the relation between several important properties and soluble protein fractions were analyzed.

The Impact of High Temperature during Growing Season on Potato Cultivars with Different Response to Environmental Stresses

Potato crop is the fourth main food crops in the world after maize, rice and wheat. It is characterized by specific temperature requirements and develops best at about 20°C. Forecasts of global warming prompt us to study the tolerance of potato genotypes to heat during the growing season. The aim of this work was to assess the response of chosen potato cultivars to high temperature during the different stages of plant growth under conditions of good soil moisture and drought. The impact of high temperature 32°C/25°C on potato plants was determined in pot experiment in three growth stages. A main measure of tolerance of the potato cultivars to high temperature during the growing season was an evaluation of the yield in relation to the Control combination. Here we demonstrated that tested potato cultivar’s response to high temperature during the growing season is dependent on the growth stage. The earlier it occurs, the more negative its impact on the growth and yield of potatoes is.

The Role of Biodiversity in Food Security and Nutrition: A Potato Cultivar Case Study

Biodiversity is considered a critical measure of the agricultural health of the world. Not only does increased biodiversity contribute to nutrient production and consumption, but it acts as a safeguard against food shortages due to pests and diseases by spreading the risk. Biodiversity can improve dietary diversity in such a way to ultimately contribute to improved food and nutrition security. As a result biodiversity is often highlighted in global discussions related to food and nutrition security. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are highly biodiverse food crops, with more than 4000 different cultivars grown globally. The crop is sometimes considered as part of the vegetable component of food baskets, but it is mainly added to meals as a starch because potatoes have a high starch content and are thus high in energy. However, significant differences in the nutritional content (including micronutrient composition) of different potato cultivars have been reported in many countries. It is therefore proposed that specific cultivars could potentially contribute more to critical nutrients required in the diet of countries at risk of malnutrition. The nutritional profile (macronutrients and minerals) of 11 potato cultivars cultivated in sub-Saharan Africa was determined and the contribution which these different potatoes could make to the diet, and consequently to food and nutrition security, is discussed. The results showed that significant differences are found in the nutritional content between the different cultivars. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in macronutrients such as protein and fat as well as micronutrients such as copper, phosphorus and potassium. These results indicate the potentially beneficial role which a biodiverse range of crops such as potatoes, could play in the food and nutrition security of developing countries.

Genetic Variance Estimates in Heterogeneous Potato Populations Propagated from True Potato Seed(TPS)

Twenty nine cross populations developed according to line × tester mating design along with their twelve parents raised from true potato seeds, were used to study variability and correlation for seven characters. The range of variation for all the characters were found to be wide and pronounced which indicated that characters were quantitative in nature and were under polygenic control. For all the characters, greater portion of the total δ2p was mostly contributed by the δ2g. Among the seven characters, tuber weight per plant showed the highest δ2g, PCV, GCV, H2b, GA and expected GA%. On the other hand, dry matter contents (%) showed the lowest H2b. Phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients of plant height with no. of tubers per plant and tuber weight per plant; no. of branches per plant with no. of tubers per plant and tuber weight per plant were found to be significant and positive.

Analysis of Diversity among Potato Accessions Grown in Eritrea Using Single Linkage Clustering

Potato is an important cash and food crop, a source of income to many small scale farmers in Eritrea. In the long tradition of potato cultivation farmers have adopted a number of landraces. However, very little is known about their genetic diversity which limits further breeding programs to improve productivity. The objective of the study was to characterize potato accessions grown in Eritrea. A total of 21 accessions collected from farmers and NARI were used in this study for characterization employing 33 phenotypic descriptors. Single linkage (nearest neighbor) clustering method using UPGMA employing Euclidean test was used to yield a dendrogram. The clustering generated three main clusters with further sub clusters. The clustering helped to identify accessions that shared the same characteristics and/or that were closely related and vice versa. It was noted that there was no distinct relationship between the clusters groups and geographic sources of accession. Yet, accessions sharing the same name may not necessarily share the same genetic content. Mean deviation of variables for each group from the total mean indicated that Group III followed by group I showed negative deviation in most of the recorded yield related traits. Group I was particularly affected by the presence of two inferior accessions in the group. On the other hand, Group II accessions showed relatively maximum deviation from the total mean and could be recommended for use as parent for any breeding program in Eritrea.