Interpopulation variations in morphochemical characteristics of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

Abstract

The present study was carried out with an aim to evaluate Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni segregants and to characterize themmorphochemically to facilitate selection of superior genotypes for hybridization in breeding programs. Two identified strains namedA and B and their segregant populations (F1 and F2) were evaluated with their morphological and chemical characteristics. Variousqualitative and quantitative morphological characters including leaf shape, plant type (loose or compact), plant habit, plant height, andshoot collar diameter were considered. Simultaneously stevioside and rebaudioside-A content was evaluated. A few individuals wereidentified with rebaudioside-A content ranging from 5.11% to 8.55% and the ratio between stevioside and rebaudioside-A was found tobe very low. One plant with stevioside of 16.18% was obtained.