Characterization of Eugenia uniflora accessions: a native species with great commercial potential in America

Abstract

The Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) is a fruit with potential for economic exploration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability and cytological stability in 40 accesses of Surinam cherry in Rio Grande do Sul. We used 18 molecular markers of RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) to made genetic variability. The cytological analysis were meiotic behavior, viability and in vitro germination of pollen and counting the anthers number. The analysis of genetic variability of accesses allowed the separation into three groups with an average of 9.5 bands amplified by the primer; 8.39 polymorphic bands; 88.57% of polymorphism and 86% genetic similarity. In cytological analysis, the average normal meiotic cells was 85.07%; average pollen viability was 90.47%; in vitro germination of 44.33%; and the anther / flower average of 54.53. Therefore, the accessions have high genetic similarity and cytological stability.