The aimsof this research were to morphologically characterize 27 local genotypes of
tulip,to evaluate the genetic variability between them using 32 morphological traits, and to
determine their chromosomal number.
The results allowed the distinctio
n between the studied genotypes based on the
morphological characterization of all vegetative,floral andbulb traits. Results confirmed
that the main limiting factor for distribution over the screened regionwas the high above
sea level.All genotypes were divided into two main groups, the firstone included genotypes
located at 400 - 850 m of altitude, and the second one located between 950 -1450 m.
The microscopic analysis results showed that all the studied genotypes were diploid
(2n=2x=24 chromosomes).
Depending on the results of the morphological characterization and the chromosomal
number of local genotypes studied, it can be considered the closest to the specie
Tulipaagenensis D.C.
The study was conducted in four sites belonging to the Sheikh Badr district in Tartous
province. Ten different types were identified according to international standards. During
the 2016 and 2017 growth seasons, readings were recorded for phenotypi
c parameters as
well as physical and chemical analysis of fruit clusters. The studied types differed in many
characteristics. The results of the cluster analysis showed the distribution of the studied
types in two groups with a variance of 93%. The mean weight of the cluster varied
between the medium (349 g) and the large (1140.45 g). The ratio of total dissolved solids
(TSS) between the low (12.75%) and high (18.82%). the acidity between the very low
(3.53 g/l) and medium (6.38 g/l).
