Abstract
Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf belongs to family Poaceae, plant of warm climatic conditions. However genetic
diversity of this species is yet to explore. Phenotypic variation is representation of genotypic variation. Therefore,
tropical and subtropical regions of Pakistan were explored for collection of germplasm. In the present study
morphological data of 50 accessions were collected; 49 accessions were from Pakistan whereas 1 from USDA. These
50 accessions were cultivated for consecutively two years to find out the most acclimatized accession for cultivation in
Pakistan. The 8 qualitative (Stem type; Leaf length; Leaf blade; Leaf sheath; Leaf shape; Leaf arrangement; Leaf tips;
Leaf margins). and 13 quantitative markers (Number of tillers; Plant height; Leaf length at early stage, Leaf width at
early stage, Leaf length at mature stage, Leaf width at mature stage, Leaf sheath length at early stage, Leaf sheath width
at early stage, Leaf sheath length at mature stage, Leaf sheath width at mature stage, Number of leaves per tiller and
Fresh and dry weight of leaves.) were observed for consecutive two years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to select the most
diverse accession. The data was analyzed through statistical analysis software principal component analysis and XL
STAT. All accessions did not behave alike in both years because of environmental fluctuation. However, the accessions
38452 (Alipurchatha) 384516(Faisalabad) and 38457(Khairpur) were most diverse and significant with reference to
yield
