Phenotypic Diversity of Arabica Coffee (<i>Coffea</i><i> </i><i>Arabica</i><i> </i><i>L</i>.) Genotypes for Qu

Understanding the amount and distribution of genetic diversity is crucial in breeding programs. This study aimed to assess the variation in qualitative morphological traits among 17 Arabica coffee genotypes. The traits displayed a wide range of phenotypic variation, with the Shannon-Weaver diversity index ranging from 0.22 to 1.12 with a mean of 0.67. The chi-square test revealed significant differences for most of the traits, suggesting dominant phenotypic variation among the evaluated traits. Path coefficient analysis showed a positive direct effect of angle of insertion of primary branches (0.485), canopy diameter (0.264), overall appearance (0.101), and leaf apex shape (0.014) on branching habit. According to the PCA, leaf shape (-0.41) and fruit color (-0.36) from the first PCA and leaf apex shape (-0.43) from the second PCA were the important variables contributing more to the variations. The genotypes were classified into five clusters and the pairwise generalized squared distance among the clusters showed significant divergence between most of the clusters. In conclusion, the present study confirmed the existence of qualitative morphological trait variation among evaluated South Ethiopian Arabica coffee genotypes. It is recommended that the studied genotypes be properly conserved and utilized for the coffee genetic improvement program through selection and hybridization.