Screening of Eight Eucalypt Genotypes ( Eucalyptus sp.) for Water Deficit Tolerance Using Multivariate Cluster Analysis

The present study evaluated eight genotypes of river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) and a hybrid (E. camaldulensis × E. urophylla) for mannitol-induced water deficit (WD) under photoautotrophic conditions using multivariate cluster analysis. Shoot height, plant dry weight, and chlorophyll a content in hybrid genotypes, 58H2 and 27A2, were maintained when exposed to 200 mM mannitol for 14 days. In addition, the diminution of photosynthetic abilities, i.e. maximum quantum yield of PSII, photon yield of PSII, photochemical quenching, and net photosynthetic rate, under WD was minimal in hybrid genotypes compared to that in selection clones of E. camaldulensis. Under WD condition, there was greater accumulation of proline in all genotypes. A positive relationship was observed between physiological and morphological attributes under WD stress. Using Ward’s cluster analysis, hybrid genotypes—H4, 58H2, and 27A2—were classified as water deficit tolerant.