MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CHÍA (Salvia hispanica)

Abstract

The genetic variability of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) has been decreasing. Thus, it is important to valorize the present diversity of Mesoamerican native chia species for a better conservation and use planning. In this study, the morphological variation of 22 cultivated and wild S. hispanica accessions was evaluated in 1999. Two plants of each chia accession were transplanted in randomized blocks design with four replications, under greenhouse conditions at Chapingo, México. Twenty three morphological characters of leaf, stem, inflorescence, flower and seed were recorded. Principal components and cluster analyses indicated six groups of chia accessions which were associated considering the similarity to width and length of corolla, width of calyx, seed scatter habit, stem thickness, time of flowering and branching. The cultivated chia groups from Jalisco, Puebla and Central America developed bigger, wider and more exposed corollas, longer, wider and compact inflorescences, indehiscent seeds and heavier seeds than wild chia group. On the other hand, the size of corolla, weight of seed and shatter habit of the cultivated group from Guerrero were similar to the wild chia group.