Explanation of morphological and biochemical diversity of autochthonous grapes grown in Türkiye (Kelkit Basin) using multivariate analysis

Grapes are widely grown around the world thanks to their different uses and nutritional importance. The demand for grapes is changing day by day in line with consumer preferences. This situation reveals the importance of identifying and protecting autochthonous grape varieties. This study was carried out to evaluate the morphological and biochemical characteristics of a previously unexplored autochthonous grape (Vitis vinifera) population using multivariate analyses. Morphological and biochemical characteristics were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis based on Ward's method. In the study, bunch weight varied between 71.67 g and 554.17 g, berry weight varied between 1.54 g and 10.98 g, and the number of seeds in berries varied between 0.00 and 3.50. Among the biochemical properties, total antioxidant content varied between 10.12% and 91.75%, total phenolic content varied between 123.77 mg 100 g-1 and 664.58 mg 100 g-1, total flavonoid content varied between 16.48 mg 100 g-1 and 270.92 mg 100 g-1 and total anthocyanin content varied between 3.35 mg 100 g-1 and 74.42 mg 100 g-1. The coefficient of variation (CV) among the characteristics examined ranged from 5.16% to 102.58%. As a result of PCA, the first two components explained 43.43% of the variation. The autochthonous grapes examined were divided into two main groups with different sub-clusters as a result of hierarchical clustering analysis. As a result of multivariate analysis, was detected significant variation among autochthonous grapes. The variations obtained show that the germplasm examined will be a valuable genetic resource for future grape breeding.