Abstract
Abstract The major hindrance to guava fruit (Psidium guajava L.) growing is the low availability of cultivars for use by Brazilian producers, who usually rely on few options of genotypes to implement the crop. In the present study, 11 full-sib families were evaluated in a randomized-block experimental design with three replicates, in order to more efficiently select superior genotypes. Genetic parameters were estimated and the best genotypes were selected based on genetic value by applying the REML/BLUP statistical procedure. Additionally, genetic divergence was estimated based on the mean Euclidian distance between the individuals selected via BLUP. Based on genetic divergence, the best genotypes were selected for use as parents in new crosses aiming at continuity of the guava breeding program. The mean values of the traits of selected individuals surpassed the mean values of their parents, confirming that the strategy of obtaining full-sib families is effective in generating considerable gains.
Highlights
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is enjoyed in Brazil and in many other countries across the globe
The results indicate the existence of significant differences based on the chi-squared test at the 5% probability level for fruit weight (FW), fruit length (FL), fruit diameter (FD), length/diameter ratio (L/D), placenta weight (PLW), endocarp thickness (ET), mesocarp thickness (MT), pulp weight (PW), and pH (Table 1)
This suggests the existence of genetic variability among the genotypes evaluated, allowing successful selection of superior genotypes based on those traits
Summary
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is enjoyed in Brazil and in many other countries across the globe. The fruit has a unique flavor and gives rise to a number of by-products, such as jams, compotes, juices, syrups, sweets, cereal bars, ice creams, etc. Brazilian guava production is approximately 578,5 t from a planted area of 21.5 thousand hectares, with a mean yield of 26.91 t ha-1, per year. This represents an estimated return of BRL 794.916 million (IBGE 2018). The greatest obstacle faced by Brazilian producers is the low number of cultivars available and adapted to the producing regions. Current challenges for breeders are obtaining, developing, and commercially releasing new cultivars with physical and chemical traits of fruit that are more attractive to the consumer
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