Morphological variability of Persea americana Mill. in Vina Division (Adamawa, Cameroon)

Abstract

Persea americana is a socio-economic species highly prized by the population of Vina. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological characteristics of this species in the Vina. Qualitative and quantitative descriptors were assessed. In each village, 10 avocado trees were selected. Dendrometric measurements were recorded. A total of 10 fruits and leaves were sampled and measured per tree. This study showed that the evaluation of morphological parameters revealed the existence of 25 descriptors, 15 quantitative and 5 qualitative. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) coupled with Hierarchical Ascending Classification (HAC) showed a structuring of diversity into six groups of morphotypes based on trees, fruits and leaves. Positive correlations were obtained between total tree height (TTH), diameter at breast height (Dbh), mean crown diameter (Mcd), crown area (CA), seed weight (SW), pulp weight (PW), fruit weight (FW), fruit length (FL), fruit width (Fw), seed length (SL), seed width (Sw). Similarly, petiole length (PL), petiole width (Pw), leaf length (LL) and leaf width (Lw) were also correlated. This study is an important step towards implementing a varietal selection program.