Multivariate analysis of motherwort germplasm in Iran using morphological variables and essential oil content

The morphological variation and essential oil content of 150 individuals of motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) from six natural regions of Iran were examined biometrically based on multivariate analysis. The highest variation was observed in plant height, length of main stems, main inflorescence length, floral cycles of main stem, lateral branches length, basal leaf length, floral leaf length width, flower length, and calyx color. Results of simple correlation analysis showed the existence of significant positive and negative correlations among some important parameters. The highest correlation was observed between plant height and length of main stems and between lateral branch length and lower surface color of leaf. Populations were clustered in two groups representing subspecies cardiaca and persicus. The subspecies cardiaca populations were closely related with each other and differentiated from the subspecies persicus by pubescence stems and leaves, more number of floral cycles, higher compaction of floral cycles, lower number of lateral branches, shorter length of petioles and leaves and smaller floral leaves. Essential oil yields varied from 0.02 (for Taleghan population) to 0.053 mg/100 g dry mater (for Kerman population). The conservation of the highly diverse native populations of Iranian motherwort germplasm is recommended.