Diversity analysis and characterization of jasmine (Jasminum spp.)

Twenty-one Jasminum accessions were evaluated for morphological traits. The jasmine accessions exhibited bush and climber types of plant growth habits. Simple, pinnately compound and trifoliate compound leaves were noticed among the accessions. The highest leaf length was recorded in accession TNAU Jn 1(10.22 cm), while higher leaf breadth and leaf area were recorded in KAU Js 2 (05.35 cm and 29.60 sq.cm, respectively). The majority of accessions had pointed and round-shaped flower buds with white flower and flower bud color. Accessions viz. KAU Jm 3, KAU Jn 1, KAU Jn 2, TNAU Jn 1 and CO 2 Pitchi had pink flower buds. The highest flower bud length was observed in J. grandiflorum accessions, while the flower bud width was high in J. sambac accessions (KAU Js 1 and KAU Js 11). Significantly highest flower diameter was recorded in TNAU Jn 1 and KAU Jn 1. Most of the accessions were seasonal, while some flowered throughout the year (J. multiflorum and J. nitidum). The accession KAU Jm 1 was found superior in terms of total flower yield. Cluster diagrams on quantitative characters indicated significant diversity among the accessions.