Genetic variability and character interrelationships in Strawberry germplasm (Fragaria ananassa. Duch) using Principal Component Analysis and Mahalanobis D² Statistics

The cultivated strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa ) is a dicotyledonous, octoploid (2n = 8x = 56) perennial herbaceous plant grown globally. In this study, 20 genotypes were evaluated for key morphological and yield-related traits. Significant phenotypic variation was observed, indicating substantial potential for selection and genetic improvement. For all traits, phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) exceeded genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV), suggesting environmental influence on trait expression. The highest PCV (39.13%) and GCV (38.94%) were recorded for fruit yield per plant. Fruit diameter exhibited the highest heritability (H² = 99.86%), while fruit yield per plant showed the greatest genetic advance (132.42) and genetic gain (79.85%), indicating additive gene action and effectiveness of selection. Fruit yield was positively and significantly correlated with fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, and berry weight at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Principal component analysis explained 73.48% of total variability, with PC1 and PC2 contributing 28.40% and 15.90%, respectively. Mahalanobis D² analysis grouped genotypes into three distinct clusters, with maximum divergence between Cluster I and III. Crosses between genetically distant clusters are recommended to exploit heterosis and enhance genetic diversity. The observed variability offers valuable potential for breeding and hybridization programs.