International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology

International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology

Phenotypic Differentiation Reveals High Diversity in Moroccan Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Germplasm Based on Agro-morphological, Colorimetric, and Physicochemical Traits

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research paper

Authors
Laila Ouardi 1
Lalla Hasna Zinelabidine 2
Abdelmajid Haddioui 2
Kamal El Fallah 3
Abdelghani Bouchyoua 4
Hassane Boudad 1
Mohamed El Kadi 1
Jamal Charafi 5
1 Regional Agricultural Research Center of Meknes, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Rabat, Morocco
2 Laboratory of Agro‑Industrial and Medical Biotechnologies, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni Mellal, Morocco.
3 Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Science, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco.
4 Regional Agricultural Research Center of Meknes, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Rabat, Morocco.
5 Research Unit of Plant Breeding and Plant Genetic Resources Conservation National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA)n Morocco Regional Center of Meknes (CRRA-Meknes)
10.22059/ijhst.2026.403117.1196
Abstract
This study evaluated the agro-morphological, colorimetric, and physicochemical diversity of 62 grapevine cultivars from the INRA collection of Ain Taoujdate, Morocco, to support germplasm conservation and breeding strategies. Standardized field and laboratory evaluations were conducted over two consecutive seasons (2023–2024), and data were analyzed using ANOVA, MANOVA, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed among cultivars for all traits, with coefficients of variation ranging from 5.72% (pH) to 87.34% (yield per vine), indicating substantial variability. Berry and bunch-related traits exhibited the highest variability, while several physicochemical traits were strongly affected by season. Broad-sense heritability (H2) ranged from 0.54 to 0.99, with the highest values recorded for berry weight, seed number, and hue angle, indicating high genetic control. Cluster analysis grouped the cultivars into four main clusters, while PCA explained 50.74% of total variability, with fruit size, seed characteristics, color indices (L*, C*, H°), and maturity index emerging as the most discriminating traits. The observed diversity—including both seeded and seedless genotypes and a wide range in berry color and sweetness levels—reflects the rich genetic base of Moroccan grapevine germplasm. These findings provide valuable insights for the identification and selection of superior cultivars, supporting the targeted breeding programs to enhance productivity, fruit quality, and resilience in Mediterranean viticulture.
Keywords
Agro-morphological traits
Colorimetric traits
Germplasm characterization
Morocco
Physicochemical composition
Vitis vinifera L
International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 31 July 2027

  • Receive Date 01 October 2025
  • Revise Date 13 November 2025
  • Accept Date 06 January 2025