Genetic Divergence among Camu-Camu Plant Populations Based on the Initial Characteristics of the Plants

Bardales-Lozano Ricardo Manuel,Edvan Alves Chagas,Antonio Carlos Centeno Cordeiro,Abanto-Rodriguez Carlos,Olisson Mesquita Souza,Oscar Smiderle,Adamor Barbosa Mota Filho,Pollyana Cardoso Chagas

doi:10.5539/jas.v8n11p51

Abstract

The objective in the present work was to evaluate the genetic diversity among 15 indigenous populations of camu-camu plants, identifying important characteristics in the evaluation of genetic divergence, based on the initial characteristics of the seedlings. Seeds extracted from fruits deriving from fifteen indigenous populations of camu-camu were collected. The experimental design was entirely random, with fifteen treatments (populations), and fifteen repetitions (each sub-sample), considering 30 seeds per subsample as an experimental unit. At 40 days after sowing the following were evaluated: the percentage of emergence, the index of emergence velocity, the average time of germination, the height of the seedling and the number of leaves. The data obtained was submitted to variance analysis, and the averages were grouped by the Scott and Knott (1974) test. The genetic diversity was studied according to the Tocher grouping method, based on the Mahalanobis distance (D2ii) and canonical variables. The fifteen populations are divergent among themselves and the Rio Branco Estirão do Veado, Rio Branco Onofre and Igarapé Agua Boa populations are indicated to have hybridization with other populations due to the high divergence, as well as the rates of emergence and vigor of the seedlings. The height of the seedlings, percentage and speed of emergence, are those that most indicate genetic divergence. The measuring techniques of genetic divergence, canonical variables Mahalanobis distances are useful and corroborating in the evaluation of genetic divergence of the camu-camu plant.

Highlights

The camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh), is an Amazonian fruit species of the Mirtaceae family, that stands out for its elevated level of vitamin C, which can reach from 3 to 8 g per 100 g of pulp, exceeding values presented by the majority of plants cultivated in Brazil (Bardales et al, 2014; Chagas et al, 2015), in addition to containing diverse antioxidant and nutritional composites (Zanata & Mercadante, 2007; Chirinos et al, 2010; Akter, Oh, Eun, & Ahmed, 2011; Imán, Pinedo, & Melchor, 2011)
Genetic divergence is one of the most important parameters evaluated by improvers of the plant in the initial phase of a genetic improvement programme, because, adequately explored, it may accelerate the genetic progress of particular characteristics (Negreiros et al, 2008)
According to Cruz, Regazzi, and Carneiro (2004), when the first two canonical variables are above 80% of total variation, their utilization is satisfactory in the study of genetic divergence by way of the evaluation of the graphic dispersal of the scores in relation to the canonical variables (CV1 and CV2)

Summary

Introduction

In Amazonia, the potential for camu-camu is in its use in the preparation of foods like juices, sweets and ferments (Rodrigues et al, 2004; Teixeira et al, 2004; Chirinos et al, 2010; Akter, Oh, Eun, & Ahmed, 2011). It constitutes a raw material for the cosmetic, chemical, pharmacological industries, food preservation and production of aerated beverages (Correa, 2000; Yuyama, 2011). In relation to the germination and emergence of jas.ccsenet.org

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