Abstract
Gerbera is one of the most important ornamental flowers marketed worldwide. Information on the genetic variability of this species represents an important resource for improvement programs that rely on the selection of promising genotypes. The aim of the present study was to assess and characterize the genetic divergence among 32 gerbera accessions based on morphological traits by means of multivariate analysis. A total of 21 traits, nine quantitative and 12 qualitative, were analyzed using clustering analysis and the principal component method. Although the quantitative and qualitative traits were analyzed separately, joint analysis allowed for a more reliable interpretation of the genetic variability and also permitted the identification of wide dissimilarity among the investigated accessions. With regard to the quantitative traits, four main groups were observed, which was in partial agreement with the result of the analysis of canonical variables. The qualitative trait analysis, on the other hand, resulted in the formation of five groups. The traits that contributed most significantly to variability in gerbera were total width of the trans florets set and number of flowers. The data obtained in the present study may be applied directly to improve the design of controlled crosses between gerbera accessions and to better explore the hybrid effect in the process of genetic improvement in this species.
Highlights
Information on the genetic variability of this species represents an important resource for improvement programs that rely on the selection of promising genotypes
The aim of the present study was to assess and characterize the genetic divergence among 32 gerbera accessions based on morphological traits by means of multivariate analysis
Gerbera (Gerbera spp.), which belongs to the Asteraceae family and originates from Southern Africa and Asia, is an herbaceous, vivacious plant that grows to a height of approximately 45 cm
Summary
Gerbera (Gerbera spp.), which belongs to the Asteraceae family and originates from Southern Africa and Asia, is an herbaceous, vivacious plant that grows to a height of approximately 45 cm. The ornamental plant market is extremely dynamic and demands constant novelties To meet such needs, advances in genetic improvement programs aligned with the consumers’ demands are crucial (Filliettaz & Andréa, 2007). The aim of the genetic improvement of ornamentals is to develop plants exhibiting novel and commercially valuable characteristics and plants that are more competitive with respect to cultivars already available in the market. For genetic diversity to be used and monetized, the accessions must be characterized, documented, and identified for their morpho-phenological, molecular, and agronomic traits. This information allows breeders to identify potentially promising genotypes for use in improvement programs (Borém & Miranda, 2005)
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