Use of MorphoJ Soft Package for Phenotypic and Genotypic Variety Testing (English Oak Case Study)

Abstract

The features of the asymmetry of the shape of laminas of English oak (Quercus robur) are studied. In six randomly selected populations, a Generalized Procrustes analysis showed the mixture of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and directional asymmetry (DA). One population showed pure FA. Covariance symmetric matrix revealed more variance of the landmarks along the symmetry axis in comparison to the asymmetric matrix explaining the variation of bilaterally symmetrical landmarks. A weak correlation association between the Procrustean coordinate values of the covariance symmetric matrices and asymmetric matrixes is obtained (r = 0.25, p < 0.01). The variation coefficients of the factor “side” and “side x population” among the studied six populations were 48.24 and 44.93%, respectively. The study demonstrates that the cluster analysis of the principal components matrix of asymmetry could be used for the analysis of genotypic variability.