Phenotypic proximity and remoteness of seedless vine varieties depending on their ampelographic characteristics

Abstract

The degree of the phenotypic similarity and differences between 61 seedless vine varieties was studied by grouping them according to economically important phenological, agrobiological and technological indicators. A multidimensional statistical approach is applied -a cluster analysis, which provides possibilities of establishing relatively homogeneous groups (clusters), based on a set of certain indicators. As the cluster analysis does not perform any tests for the statistical significance of the results, it is combined with a factor analysis, which provides information on the reasons leading to the distribution of the individual varieties in different clusters and the merging of others into one cluster. The applied factor analysis transformed all the studied indicators into seven main components, explaining 76% of the total variance. The transformation of these traits to the corresponding number of factors and the indicators in them, which explain that the varieties belong to the separate clusters, was established. The limits of the phenotypic similarity and differences between the studied seedless vine varieties and the conditional parameters of the polymorphism with their economically significant ampelographic characteristics were determined. The presented grouping can be used for taxonomic purposes, as well as in the selection to create new seedless vine varieties. By applying targeted agro-technical measures, the desired change in the indicators of the first and second factors in the individual groups of traits can be actively influenced.