Analysis of genotypic diversity based on leaf morphological traits in rockets (Eruca sativa)

This research was carried out to evaluate the genetic diversity of salad rocket based on leaf morphological traits. Total 213 of rocket genotypes were used in this experiment and they were grouped as native and non-native genotypes, further each group were subdivided as cultivated and wild. Leaf morphological traits such as, leaf number, leaf margin index and leaf hairiness were measured to assess the genetic diversity of baby leaf rocket. In this research, leaf number was found higher and leaf distribution pattern was wider range in native cultivated rocket among the genotypes. No distinguish differences of leaf hairiness was found among the genotype but 20 genotypes from native cultivated rocket has shown some degree of hairiness. Large genotype variation in leaf margin index was found among the genotypes. The results stated that rocket leaves characteristics could be used as an important parameter in breeding of Eruca sativa for further improvement of its quality.