Morphological Characterization and Assessment of Phenotypic Variability among Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Genotypes

Abstract

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels is an important indigenous fruit crop that possesses considerable morphological diversity, representing a valuable genetic resource for germplasm characterisation and crop improvement. The present investigation aimed to characterise morphological variability among 50 naturally occurring Syzygium cumini genotypes using standardised NBPGR Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) descriptors over two consecutive seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25). The novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive DUS-based evaluation of naturally occurring jamun germplasm, which provides standardised baseline information for reliable genotype characterisation, documentation and conservation. Significant variability was observed among the evaluated genotypes for all morphological traits. Trunk girth ranged from 1.34 to 3.21 m, while the leaf length-to-breadth ratio varied from 2.03 (JT-19) to 3.35 (JT-169). The inflorescence length-to-diameter ratio ranged from 1.74 (JT-21) to 2.78 (JT-1). Considerable variation was also recorded in growth habit, foliage density and bark colour, demonstrating broad phenotypic diversity within the evaluated germplasm. The evaluated genotypes exhibited consistent morphological expression across both experimental seasons, indicating the stability and reliability of the recorded DUS descriptors for genotype characterisation and diversity assessment. The documented phenotypic variability provides reliable baseline information for germplasm conservation, the identification of promising genotypes and future breeding programmes aimed at the genetic improvement of jamun.