Abstract
Studies on the determination of genetic divergence among genotypes are important tools in breeding programs, contributing to the identification of parents with considerable productive potential. However, little is known about the combinatorial capacity of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) accessions and its adaptation to the different regions of Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morpho-agronomic traits from 102 sweet potato accessions from the Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Hortaliças. The experiment was laid out as an augmented block design comprised of 102 treatments. Nineteen above ground traits were measured using descriptors for the respective parts. Estimated values of broad sense heritability were high for the traits mean branch length (95.75%), immature leaf color (85.06%), and predominant branch color (90.57%). Coefficients of environmental variation were below 30.00% for all variables, except for branch weight (51.62%). The 102 clones analyzed presented broad genetic variability for the different traits evaluated, especially for branch weight, and branch length, and mature leaf color.
Highlights
In Brazil, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is cultivated mainly by small farmers and can be considered as one of the oldest crops used as human food, especially by low-income populations (CARMONA et al, 2015)
The experiment was performed from September 2014, when cuttings were planted in polystyrene trays (72 cells), to October 2015, when plants were field transplanted
Estimated values of broad sense heritability were high for the traits leaf lobe number (LLN) (100.00%), VL (95.75%), PBC (90.57%), immature leaf color (ILC) (85.06%), mature leaf color (MLC) (76.06%), and plant vigor (PV) (68.12%) (Table 2)
Summary
In Brazil, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is cultivated mainly by small farmers and can be considered as one of the oldest crops used as human food, especially by low-income populations (CARMONA et al, 2015). Genetic divergence studies among accessions are essential to analyze the genetic variability in a breeding program collection and to identify duplicated or genetically similar materials. These studies provide means for selecting genetically different parents aiming to obtain a higher heterotic effect (OLIVEIRA et al, 2000; PAIXÃO et al, 2008). Sweet potato has high nutritive value and is considered an energetic food due to its elevated starch content. It provides considerable amounts of mineral salts, mainly calcium and iron, and vitamins from the B and C complexes, in addition to vitamin
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