Genetic variation of the tenera hybrid progenies provides useful guidance to the management of appropriate breeding programs, especially those for development of high-yielding tenera varieties. Such programs involve costly and time-consuming adaptability and stability tests. In this present study, twelve F1tenera hybrid populations derived from dura×pisifera crosses were assessed for genetic variation based on seedling morphological traits and SSR markers. According to the morphological characters evaluated, P1, P4, and P13 showed more within population variation than the others. PCA analysis indicated that the progenies with large PC1 and PC2 components exhibited potential for high productivity, and the corresponding parental dura and pisifera should be selected for further breeding. SSR analysis revealed that P1, P4, P6 and P8 were the most genetically diverse tenera hybrid populations, indicating high potential for adaptation and yield stability. Consequently, P1, P4, P6, P8 and P13 populations should be included in further breeding efforts.
