Abstract
Grouping of genotypes by canonical variable analysis is an important tool in breeding. It allows the grouping of individuals with similar characteristics that are associated with superior agronomic performance and may indicate the ideal profile of a plant for the region. The objective of the present study was to define, by canonical analysis, the agronomic profile of Panicum maximum plants adapted to the Agreste region. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 28 treatments, 22 genotypes of Panicum maximum, and cultivars Mombasa, Tanzania, Massai, Milenio, BRS Zuri, and BRS Tamani in triplicate in 4-m² plots. Plots were harvested five times and the following traits were evaluated: plant height; total, leaf, and stem; dead dry matter yields; leaf:stem ratio; leaf percentage; and volumetric density of forage. The analysis of canonical variables was performed based on the phenotypic means of the evaluated traits and on the residual variance and covariance matrix. Genotype PM34 showed higher mean leaf dry matter yield under the conditions of the Agreste of Alagoas (on average 53% higher than cultivars Mombasa, Tanzania, Milenio and Massai). It was possible to summarize the variation observed in eight agronomic characteristics in only two canonical variables accounting for 81.44 % of the data variation. The ideotype plant adapted to the conditions of the Agreste should be tall and present high leaf yield, leaf percentage, and leaf:stem ratio, and intermediate values of volumetric density of forage.
Highlights
The Brazilian Agreste is a region extending from Bahia to Piauí, characterized as a transition zone between the Atlantic Forest and the Brazilian semi-arid zone
The agronomic traits of forage of interest were used as an indicator of adaptation of P. maximum plants to Agreste conditions
Variation is essential for selection and its presence in this study indicates that it is possible to identify superior individuals through a trait of such importance as leaf dry matter yield, and trace the trait associated with the genotypes of interest
Summary
The Brazilian Agreste is a region extending from Bahia to Piauí, characterized as a transition zone between the Atlantic Forest and the Brazilian semi-arid zone. This region has an annual rainfall ranging from 650 to 1000 millimeters, but owing to its irregular distribution, there are few options of forage plants for use in animal production systems. Research to identify promising cultivars for this region is desirable. The Brazilian Agreste has only a small number of forage cultivars available, highlighting the importance of studies aimed at evaluating and selecting the most appropriate plants for the region. Agrotec., Lavras, v.39, n.2, p.147-153, mar./abr., 2015
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