Variation in morphological traits of Rubaru local shallot from Sumenep, Madura Island, and its potential for future agricultural innovation

The results showed significant variability in traits such as bulb number and weight, which were influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Conversely, traits, including plant height and harvest age had genetic stability. The PCA results showed three principal components accounting for 80.92% of the total morphological variability. The components showed traits such as bulb size, weight, and plant growth attributes as key contributors to the observed diversity. The cluster analysis categorized the accessions based on morphological similarities, underscoring their potential for adaptation and selective breeding. The analysis results showed the importance of morphological diversity in supporting breeding innovations, optimizing land management practices, and promoting sustainable agriculture in challenging environments. These contributions addressed the critical needs such as climate resilience and food security. To build on such insights, further genetic examinations are recommended to complement morphological analysis presented in this research.