Application of Morphological and Phytochemical Markers for Polymorphism Studies in Some Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Accessions

Fifteen Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) accessions were collected from different geographical regions of Baluchestan in Iran and were grown in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were recorded on days to 50% flowering (Calyces were harvested when they were tender and plump). When flowering reached 50%, data recording was started (Calyces were harvested when they were tender and plump). Morphological analysis indicated that all the studied characteristics have a significant difference at P< 0.05 or P< 0.01 among Roselle accessions. Cluster analysis indicated slight differences among accessions. Some of accessions performed better than others and were ranked higher. According to the results, the average of similarity among accessions was 97%. Thus, the observed morphological differences and similarity values of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. accessions maintained at Iran suggest that all the accessions possess a useable slight genetic diversity. Also, phenotypic correlations between various morphological characteristics indicated that there were highly significant correlations at P< 0.05 or P< 0.01 among the most studied characteristics. Phenotypic correlations indicated that some associated factors correlate with each other and contribute in the occurring of these characteristics.