Principal Component and Cluster Analysis of Agromorphological Traits in Momordica cochinchinensis Accessions from Peninsular Malaysia
Keywords:
Agromorphological diversity, dendrogram, germplasm, Momordica cochinchinensis, principal component analysisAbstract
Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng (2n = 28), a medicinal and nutraceutical cucurbit, remains poorly characterised in Peninsular Malaysia, constraining effective germplasm conservation and breeding. This study assessed the agromorphological diversity of 21 M. cochinchinensis accessions utilising 27 agromorphological traits. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the first two components (PC1 = 29.50%, PC2 = 19.84%) explained 49.34% of the variation, with fruit biomass traits dominating PC1, while yield-associated and phenological traits defined PC2. In total, eight PCs explained 88.85% of the variance. Hierarchical clustering using UPGMA based on Gower dissimilarity distance showed strong fidelity (cophenetic r = 0.831) and clustered the accessions into five clusters at a cut height of 0.293. Bootstrap resampling (1000 replicates) confirmed high stability for Cluster II (0.951), Cluster III (0.859), and Cluster I (0.819), moderate support for Cluster IV (0.771), and weaker support for Cluster V (0.608). PCA and UPGMA analyses were largely congruent, revealing consistent clustering patterns among the accessions. Compact, small-fruited types, including BMA, BMB, and BMC (Bukit Mertajam, Penang), and ME (Merlimau, Malacca), formed a tight cluster, while late-harvesting, agromorphologically distinct accessions such as KK (Kubang Kerian, Kelantan) and BPC (Batu Pahat, Johor) grouped separately. In contrast, large-fruited elite types, including PS (Pokok Sena, Kedah) and KL (Kuala Lipis, Pahang), were clearly distinguished, highlighting their potential as promising accessions for yield-oriented improvement. The PP (Pasir Puteh, Kelantan) held an intermediate yet strategically important position, bridging elite and generalist types. Meanwhile, a broad assemblage of accessions from diverse regions displayed intermediate fruit size and heterogeneous morphological characteristics, reflecting generalist profiles. The Mantel test revealed no significant association between agromorphology and geography, consistent with farmer-mediated exchange of planting material across regions. These findings demonstrate substantial agromorphological variation within Malaysian M. cochinchinensis, with fruit biomass and reproductive traits emerging as the principal axes of diversity, providing a foundation for targeted breeding, germplasm conservation, and domestication strategies.
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