Tocher Method Research Articles

Biometric approach applied to soybean genotypes cultivated in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The study had the purpose to evidence the agronomic performance, inter-relations of characters and the multivariate differentiation of soybean genotypes cultivated in the preferential season, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In the crops season of 2017/2018, The experimental design was the completely randomized blocks, being 25 genotypes with three replicates. The data obtained was submitted to presuppositions based on normality and homogeneity of residual variances, variance analysis, Tocher method, Euclidian algorithm, linear correlations, relative contribution of characters by Singh and artificial neural networks. The agronomic performance of the genotypes presents superior seeds yield per plant through the elevated magnitude of reproductive nodes, legumes and seeds per plant. The plant height of the soybean is positively associated with the number of total nodes and reproductive nodes in the main stem and branches, where they are directly linked with the soybean productive potential. The most polymorphic characters correspond to the number and mass of thousand seeds, being possible to differentiate in a multivariate way the soybean genotypes though the similarity profiles.

Phenotypic variability of cowpea genotypes for immature seed harvesting

ABSTRACT Seed color, brightness and texture are important aspects for the consumption of immature beans. This study aimed to estimate the phenotypic variability among thirty cowpea genotypes for immature seed harvesting, in order to guide breeding programs. The experiment was carried out in a randomized blocks design, with three replications. The evaluated traits were immature seeds yield, pods and dry seeds production, number of immature pods, 100-immature seeds weight, immature pods length, number of seeds per immature pod, cooking time, harvesting period of immature pods, seed color, pod color, plant growth habit, opening of immature pods, seed threshing from immature pods, cultivation value and seed browning after threshing. Anova and three clustering methods were applied: UPGMA using the Jaccard coefficient of similarity; modified Tocher method based on the Gower algorithm; and k-means. All the analyses were performed based on the variable means of experiments evaluated in six environments. A statistically significant phenotypic variability was observed among all the quantitative traits. Discrepancies occurred in the accessions grouping and number of clusters. The accession BRS Acauã, in one group, and P508 and PCCR3F6L15, in other groups, showed a good quality for immature grain harvesting, were consistently grouped into different clusters and are recommended for use as parents in the development of new cultivars.

GENETIC SELECTION OF Pinus taeda L. THROUGH MULTI-ENVIRONMENT TRIAL

The aim of this study is to select progenies of Pinus taeda through multi-environmental trial to establish clonal seed orchards and advance breeding–program generations. Progeny test was carried out with 53 open-pollinated families planted in four different locations. The study followed a randomized block statistical design, with seven replications in linear plots planted with six plants each. DBH variable was measured in individuals at the age of nine years. All estimates were carried out in Selegen REML/BLUP® software. Genotype x environment interaction was detected; therefore, it required the definition of two breeding zones to minimize its effects. The genetic basis of the assessed population is restricted. Families were distributed into nine different groups, based on genetic divergence analysis, and grouping through the Tocher method, by using Mahalanobis distances. Based on the results, and by taking into consideration the balance between variability maintenance and genetic gains, it is recommended to establish a clonal seed orchard with 50 selected individuals in the experiment, based on a limited number of individuals per family. Intraspecific crossing between divergent families can also be used to increase heterosis and genetic variability in the assessed population.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND GENETIC DIVERSITY IN ORNAMENTAL SPECIMENS OF THE GENUS SANSEVIERIA

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize and estimate genetic divergence among twelve specimens of the Sansevieria genus from the collection of the Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI). A completely randomized experimental design was used with three replicates, and the plot consisted of four plants. In morphological characterization, qualitative and quantitative descriptors of leaves were evaluated. Genetic divergence among the specimens was determined by the Tocher clustering method and the hierarchical UPGMA. There is genetic variation among specimens evaluated, which was also expressed by the variability of colors, shapes, and sizes of the leaves. The Tocher clustering method and the hierarchical UPGMA were effective in differentiation of the specimens from multi-categorical qualitative descriptors, as the Tocher method grouped the accessions in two groups and the UPGMA in seven different groups. We highlight the accessions SSV 09 and SSV 10 as exhibiting the highest mean values in weekly leaf growth and in leaf height, important characteristics for local sale and for export.

Genetic diversity among 435 barley accessions based in morpho-agronomical characteristics under irrigation in the Brazilian savannah

The success of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivation and its adaptation to cropping systems relies on the knowledge and utilization of existing variability in germplasm banks. The objective of this work was to analyse diversity among pre-selected barley accessions to organize a working collection and to identify genotypes for a breeding program for irrigated barley in the Brazilian Savannah. The field experiment was conducted under irrigation in Planaltina, DF, Brazil. The plant population consisted of 433 accessions plus BRS 180 and BRS 195 as checks. The accessions were evaluated using fifteen morpho agronomic descriptors, in which 11 quantitative and four discrete. The interpolated control design was used for the statistical analysis. A genetic distance matrix was calculated using Gower’s coefficient. From the matrix, a grouping analysis was conducted, using the optimizing Tocher method and the graphic dispersion distance. The genetic distances varied between 0.025 and 0.572, with a mean of 0.256. The accessions were distributed in 18 groups by the Tocher method, which was directly related to the graphic dispersion. The existing genetic divergence in the collection under study helped the definition of accessions in crossing blocks from breeding programs directed to the savannah environment.

Characterization and comparative analyses of genetic divergence for identification of diverse parents on napier grass germplasm (Pennisetum purpureum L. Schumach)

The present study was carried out to characterize 56 Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum L. Schumach) accessions using 17 qualitative traits and to assess the magnitude of genetic diversity among the accessions using 13 biometrical traits in order to select diverse genotypes for using them as parents in future breeding programme. Characterization of the germplasm revealed the presence of discernible variation for majority of the traits with an extremity in the following traits viz., presence of prop roots, leaf sheath pigmentation and bristle length ranging from 8.93% - 67.86%, 8.93% -64.29% and 3.57% -58.93%, respectively. Genetic diversity among the genotypes was assessed based on Mahalanobis's D2 statistics and agglomerative hierarchical clustering approach. Based on Tocher's method, the genotypes were classified into 11 clusters. The highest inter cluster distance was observed between cluster X and VI (67.82), VI and IV (57.63) and cluster VIII and VI (52.48). Therefore, the genotypes from the above clusters viz., FD 437, FD 470, FD 474, FD 471, FD 461, FD 473, FD 476, FD 462, FD 426 could be used as parents for the development of high yielding Pearl millet Napier hybrids. Clusters V, X and XI exhibited the highest mean values for majority of the yield attributing traits. Therefore, genotypes from the clusters V, X and XI viz., FD 459, FD 426, FD 468 could be utilized in future hybridization programme for enhancing the appropriate traits. In agglomerative hierarchical clustering method also, the genotypes were classified into 11clusters. Outcome from Tocher's method and agglomerative hierarchical approach relatively complement with each other and satisfactory to delineate the genetic divergence among the germplasm.

Multivariate analysis of resistance components of the saccharin and biomass sorghum to Ramulispora sorghi

The objective of this work was to evaluate the reaction of biomass and saccharin sorghum genotypes to a isolate of the Ramulispora sorghi. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications in a greenhouse. The variables analyzed were: area below the disease curve progress; lesion length (LL), lesions width (LW); normalized area below the curve of the lesion area expansion; incubation period and latency period. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, Pearson correlation and multivariate analysis based on Mahalanobis distance, using the Tocher and UPGMA clustering method. Significant differences were observed in the level of (p<0.01) and (p<0.05), for almost all variables analyzed. Of the 45 correlations, only 22 (48.89%) were significant by t-test, regardless of significance (p<0.01 or 0.05), where it was observed that in all significant correlations were positive, indicating that the reaction symptoms correlate between the variables evaluated. The groupings generated by the Tocher and UPGMA clustering method were in agreement to group genotypes with the same behavior in relation to reaction to Ramulispora sorghi. From the observed results, it was verified that all evaluated genotypes presented ramulispora spot symptoms, thus demonstrating their susceptibility to the pathogen.

Estimation of variability, genetic divergence, correlation studies of Curcuma caesia Roxb.

Curcuma caesia belonging to Zingiberaceae family is considered as an endangered plant. It has many medicinal properties which can cure different health disorders and due to its potential pharmaceutical and industrial applications, conservation of this species is required. In this present investigation, morphological diversity, Mahalanobis D2 analysis, correlation, path analysis and association study for ten agronomical traits among 78 germplasm of Curcuma caesia were studied. Results revealed that value of phenotypic co-efficient of variation was higher than the genotypic co-efficient of variation due to non additive gene action. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficient revealed that plant height is significant and positively correlated with number of tillers per plant, leaf length, leaf width, days to maturity. It also showed that leaf length is significantly correlated with leaf width, days to maturity and number of mother rhizome is significant and positively correlated with number of primary rhizome. Path coefficient analysis matrix showed that number of secondary rhizome exhibited maximum direct effect followed by number of mother rhizome on rhizome yield per plant. Number of secondary rhizome exhibited strong positive correlation with rhizome yield per plant which was mainly due to direct effect and indirect effect via number of primary rhizome, leaf width, leaf length and plant height. High heritability h2BS (72.9 %) coupled with high genetic advance (70.7 %) was found in rhizome yield/plant. Selection of rhizome yield/plant may be effective for identification of high yielding genotypes among the population. Mahalnobis Euclidean Distance (MED) grouped all the genotypes into nine clusters. It was seen that the inter cluster distance is more as compared to the intra cluster distance which indicates that there is high genetic diversity in the genotypes. The dendrogram were prepared using Tocher method also corresponded to Mahalanobis Euclidean Distance. To the best of our knowledge, till date variability, genetic diversity, path analysis, correlation, association study in C. caesia has not been reported, and this is the first report on this important medicinal plant. This study would help in identification of selection criteria of C. caesia for crop improvement through various breeding programme and in germplasm conservation also.

Diversidade genética entre acessos de feijão-guandu por meio de caracteres morfoagronômicos em região do cariri paraibano

Com objetivo de quantificar a divergência genética entre 22 acessos de feijão-guandu por meio da análise de agrupamentos com base em caracteres morfoagronômicos, além de indicar cruzamentos mais promissores para dar continuidade ao programa de melhoramento da espécie de feijão- guandu foi realizado a presente pesquisa. O delineamento experimental empregado foi o delineamento inteiramente casualizado - DIC. Foi realizado o teste de agrupamento de médias, segundo Scott e Knott a 5% de probabilidade. Os dados de médias dos caracteres desses acessos foram submetidos à análise de divergência genética. Foi aplicado o método de agrupamento pela ligação média entre grupos (UPGMA), utilizando a distância generalizada de Mahalanobis (D2) e método de agrupamento de Tocher. A importância relativa dos caracteres, também foram avaliadas. Existe ampla variabilidade genética entre os acessos de feijão-guandu, presentes no banco de germoplasma, e facilmente identificada por meio de caracteres morfoagronômicos. Quatro grupos distintos de acessos de feijão-guandu foram detectados, evidenciando a existência de diversidade entre os acessos. Os cruzamentos mais promissores são aqueles envolvendo como parentais os acessos dos grupos distintos e mais divergentes: Grupos IV e I, IV e II, IV e III, III e II, e II e I. O número de dias para o florescimento foi o caractere que mais contribuiu para divergência genética.

Identification of genetic variability and diversity in selected wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm under three different dates of sowing

Genetic diversity offers crucial platform for improving the plant characteristics. Its exploitation is necessary to tackle the environmental fluctuations and for the effective exploitation of genetic resources in breeding programmes. Although wheat is one of the most thoroughly studied crops in terms of genetic diversity but its yield potential can further be enhanced by studying and identifying the suitable gemplasm and utilizing them in crosses. In this study twenty genotypes of wheat germplasm were undertaken for identification of genetic variability and diversity for adaptation in NEPZ in three different dates of sowing. Observations were recorded on thirteen traits. All genotypes were evaluated for genetic variability and diversity by using Analysis of variance and D2 –Statistics. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference among the genotypes for all the traits under study except for Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. The highest estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were observed for no. of fertile spikes per plant (13.85) yield per plot (33.16) respectively. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for days to heading (0.67, 13.08) followed by plant height and biomass. Based on D2-Statistics, 20 genotypes were grouped into seven clusters following Tocher method in which cluster I has maximum number of genotypes. The highest inter-cluster distance was found between cluster II and IV (21.19) followed by IV and VII (17.09). This suggests that genotypes included in these clusters possess wide genetic diversity. Highest cluster mean was found for biomass (692.50) followed by yield per plot and days to heading. On the basis of divergence and cluster mean it may be concluded that maximum heterosis and better transgressive segregants could be obtained in crosses among genotypes of cluster II, IV and VII in breeding programme for varietal improvement in wheat.

Genetic divergence analysis in groundnut (<em>Arachis hypogaea </em>L.)

Genetic diversity among RILs of groundnut were estimated using Mahalanobis D2 statistic for seventeen characters. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the RILs for all characters. Based on Tocher's method, 149 RILs were grouped into fifteen clusters. Cluster II was the largest, holding 40 RILs followed by cluster I (34 RILs), cluster IV (14 RILs), cluster VI (14 RILs), VIII cluster (10 RILs), cluster V (7 RILs), cluster VII (6 RILs), cluster X (6 RILs), cluster IX (4 RILs), cluster XIII (4 RILs), cluster XI (3 RILs), cluster XIV (3 RILs), III cluster (2 RILs). Whereas cluster XII and XV were unique with only one RILs in each. This grouping indicated considerable diversity among the RILs. Cluster III had RILs with desirable characters like number of kernels per pod, 100-kernel weight, kernel yield per plant and biological yield per plant. Similarly, other clusters like VIII and were also possessed different character combinations. Intra-cluster distance was highest for cluster VI while inter-cluster distance between cluster III and cluster VII was maximum, indicating the existence of high variability within and between clusters.

Estimation of genetic parameters and selection of Coffea canephora progenies evaluated in Brazilian Western Amazon

Coffee has emerged as an economic alternative culture in the State of Acre, Brazil, but without a clonal variety recommended for the state to overcome the unevenness presented by seed crops. Thus, in order to estimate genetic parameters and indicate progenies of Coffea canephora to compose a clonal variety for the State of Acre, yield, vegetative vigor and plant height were evaluated in five harvests of a randomized complete block experiment with 46 progenies, 4 repetitions and 10 plants per plot by mixed model methodology (REML/BLUP). The harvests were evaluated individually, by the model that considers one harvest, one location and the mean of progenies, and joint analysis (all harvests), by repeatability model with stability and temporal adaptability by the harmonic mean of relative performance of genotypic values method (MHPRVG), with genotypic values of progenies grouped by the Tocher method. There was variability, with possibility of selection, only for grain yield. The yield was strongly affected by production bienniality, with high environmental influence and harvests mean ranging from 14.13±4.60 to 46.20±14.94 bags ha-1 and individual heritabilities from 0.10 to 0.44. Sixteen ‘Conilon’ coffee progenies with selection gains above 23% were selected. The MHPRVG method allows the refinement of progeny selection throughout the harvests, identifying the most adapted and stable. Key words: ‘Conilon’ or ‘Kouilou’ coffee; Breeding; Mixed models.

Estimates of genetic parameters, genetic variability, and selection in the S1 generation of peach

ABSTRACT: The growing of peach in mild winter regions is made viable through the use of genotypes that have low need for cold conditions, and this is one of the main aims of breeding for these regions. Thus, the aims of this study were to estimate genetic parameters, evaluate genetic variability, and select families adapted to mild winter regions in the S1 generation of peach through mixed model methodology (REML/BLUP). For that purpose, 22 populations, 84 families, and 2090 individuals were evaluated for the following traits: bud burst rate (BR), node density (ND), plant height (PH), and trunk diameter (TD). Genetic variability was found for all the traits. Individual heritability in the broad sense was of low and medium magnitudes. The PH trait had positive genotypic correlation of high magnitude with TD. The ND trait had moderate negative genotypic correlation with PH and TD. Clustering by the Tocher method resulted in the formation of six mutually exclusive groups. Considering selection intensity of 25%, simultaneous selection for BR, ND, and TD led to predicted gains of 11.3% for BR, 9.7% for ND, -14.2% for PH, and -14.3% for TD, showing the great potential of the germplasm evaluated.

GENETIC DIVERSITY OF BRAZILIAN PEPPER BASED ON QUALITATIVE REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS

In Brazil, pepper cultivation gives producers more marketing opportunities in various segments, either for fresh consumption or industry. Reproductive traits are efficient methods for comparing genetic divergence in pepper, once most differences among accessions could be verified at this stage. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic divergence in the reproductive phase of pepper accessions by multivariate analysis and test the efficiency of different methods. Sixty-five genotypes from the Federal University of UberlândiaCapsicum spp. Germplasm Bank were evaluated 145 days after sowing, and morphological characterization was performed at reproductive phase. Graphical representation of genetic distances was obtained by UPGMA. Tocher optimization method was also used to group accessions. Genotypes were arranged in seventeen different groups by Tocher method. UPGMA dendrogram collaborated with Tocher method, indicating the wide genetic variability of genotypes. Tocher and UPGMA methods were partially in agreement, allowing grouping 44 of the 65 analyzed accessionsequally. Multicategorical traits have the advantage of easy observation and require less time and labor, being ideal for use in gene bank and collections that do not have high human and financial resources. Moreover, these traits are not affected by the environment. Genetic divergence detected in this paper encourages other researchers to perform the characterization of pepper collections as completely as possible, because it becomes possible to generate more reliable information of the variability and genetic divergence among accessions. Our research discloses the reproductive biodiversity of pepper in “Alto Paranaíba” and “TriânguloMineiro” regions and the importance of maintaining these genotypes.

Principal component and cluster analyses of production and fertility traits in Red Sindhi dairy cattle breed in Brazil

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship among functional traits (age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), reproductive efficiency (RE), total milk yield (TMY), and lactation period (LP)) in Red Sindhi breed through multivariate techniques. For this goal, performance data provided by the Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders related to 560 Red Sindhi dairy cattle from 28 different herds in Brazil, born in the period from 1987 to 2011, were used. Principal component analysis with correlation matrix was used to find the relationship among AFC, CI, RE, TMY, and LP. It was found that for all functional traits, first 3 principal components explained more than 90% of the total variation. Clustering analysis was performed based on Tocher method, and results showed physiological relationships among functional traits. By cluster analysis, twelve different groups were generated from the pool of Sindhi herds analyzed, with a great homogeneity among females for the traits evaluated and only few females generating separate groups. Four hundred and twenty-nine females were clustered in one group, representing 76.60% of the genotypes. Total milk yield (TMY) showed 71.92% of the total variation, and age at first calving (AFC) contributed with 23.06% of the variation, being the two most important traits for the variability of the data set. In conclusion, the multivariate procedures were effective in generating the correlations among the functional traits, showing that CI is correlated with RE and all these functional traits are related with total milk yield.

Characterization and Diversity of Peppers (Capsicum spp.) Genotypes Based on Morphological Traits Using Multivariate Analysis

The present work aimed to characterize and evaluate Capsicum peppers in the South of the State of Espírito Santo, in order to estimate the variability among the accessions for the Germplasm Bank implementation. For this, 33 genotypes were collected through donations in four municipalities in the region. The genotypes were characterized based on nine quantitative descriptors: number of seeds per fruit (NS), number of fruit locules (NL), number of fruits per plant (NFR), plant height (PH), leaf width (LW), leaf length (LL), fruit length (FRL) and fruit diameter (FRD). Analysis of variance and means grouping by the Scott-Knott test was performed (P=.01). To estimate the diversity, the Tocher method was realized. The GT Biplot analysis was performed with using RStudio program to estimate discrimination, representativeness and correlation of characteristics. It was found a great diversity among the studied genotypes, being able to emphasize the accession Ifes 01 and Ifes 03 as the most divergent ones. The Tocher grouping allowed the formation of seven groups. The biplot analysis presented the formation of three groups of characteristics. The access Ifes 01 stood out for the group of characteristics FRL, NS and FRD. The Ifes 32 accession was highlighted for the PH and DC characteristics group, and the Ifes 20 accession was highlighted for the group formed by the NFR characteristic. It was observed that the characteristics that contributed the most to the divergence of accessions were PH and DC, and the most representative characteristic was DC. So, it’s concluded that there is great variability among the genotypes collected, presenting great phenotypic variation for the nine characters studied. In addition, some accesses were promising for plant breeding programs, pointing to gains in the various segments of the peppers market, which shows the importance of the collections of the producers in the South of Espírito Santo.

REACTION OF PSIDIUM SPP. ACCESSIONS TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF INOCULATION WITH MELOIDOGYNE ENTEROLOBII

ABSTRACT Meloidogyne enterolobii associated with Fusarium solani causes the guava decay, which is the main factor of yield loss in guava crops and limits guava production in Brazil. Therefore, searching for guava genotypes (Psidium spp.) with resistance to M. enterolobii is important to control this root-knot nematode. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the reaction of Psidium spp. accessions from the Germplasm Bank of the Bahia State University (UNEB) to different levels of inoculation with M. enterolobii. Guava seedlings were inoculated with 600, 1,600, and 2,000 eggs + J2 second stage juveniles of M. enterolobii and the root fresh weight, total number of eggs (TNE), and reproduction factor (RF) were evaluated. The results were subjected to ANOVA and means were clustered using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The diversity of accessions was estimated using the Tocher's clustering and UPGMA methods. The nematode RF reduced in some accessions with increasing inoculation levels of the nematode. However, the RF increased in some accessions with high levels of inoculation. Plants of the Y50 accession were immune or resistant to M. enterolobii, indicating variability of reaction of plants to the nematode within the Psidium genus. The resistance of Psidium accessions to M. enterolobii needs to be measured with different inoculation levels to verify the existence of false-positive results, since the evaluated accessions, including the Paluma cultivar, presented distinct reactions regarding RF in the three levels of inoculation used.

Genetic divergence between pepper accessions based on quantitative fruit traits

The development of new Capsicum cultivars aiming to meet market requirements will depend, above all, on the genetic diversity of the study population. To quantify this genetic divergence, several multivariate techniques assessing quantitative traits have been employed. This study aimed to: i. estimate the genetic diversity among Capsicum chinense accessions from the Active Germplasm Bank of Plants of the Federal University of Vicosa (BGH-UFV); ii. indicate promising accessions for prospective studies of specific market niches; iii. evaluate the disposal of redundant traits. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four repli­cates, in which 11 C. chinense accessions were evaluated, based on 11 quantitative fruit traits. The data were subjected to cluster analysis by the UPGMA and Tocher methods, based on the quadratic Euclidean distance, to assess diversity. Afterwards, we used principal component analysis, Jolliffe’s method and procrustes analysis for the disposal of traits. The highest genetic dissimilarity was obtained between accessions 2 and 10. The pheno­typic correlation coefficients obtained were 0.75 (UPGMA) and 0.91 (Tocher), the latter being significant by the Mantel test (p < 0.05). Six clusters were formed by using the Tocher method, four of which were composed by a single accession. Regarding the disposal of variables, traits TFDW, TFFW, PUN, %DM, FW, PT, and FL were shown to be disposable, and do not affect diversity prediction in terms of graphic dispersion. Accessions 9, 10, and 11 are indicated for in natura consumption, while accessions 2 and 3 are indicated for industrial purposes. These accessions showed the best results among the evaluated traits for the mentioned niches.

Selection in Base Population of Ornamental Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

Aims: The aim of this study was to characterize and select plants with ornamental potential and resistant to pathogens in generation F2.&#x0D; Study Design: For genetic divergence analysis, Tocher's grouping method was used, based on the standardized Euclidean distance. Analyses were carried out for the quantitative and qualitative data separately and also for the data together. In addition, the relative importance of the characteristics evaluated for genetic divergence was calculated using SINGH's Methodology (1981). All analyses were performed using the computational Genes program.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of the Center of Agrarian Sciences (CCA) of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). The treatments consisted of 354 progenies, an F2 generation of ornamental peppers (Capsicum annuum L), belonging to the Germplasm Bank of UFPB, derived from the controlled self-fertilization of F1 and obtained from the crossing between the parents UFPB390 X UFPB137. Plants grown in vessels of 900 mL filled with commercial substrate. There was variability among genotypes for the evaluated characters.&#x0D; Methodology: Genotypes were characterized according to the descriptors for Capsicum suggested by IPGRI. 20 quantitative characters and 4 qualitative in ornamental peppers were evaluated. Leaves identified from an optical microscope using the illustrated descriptor of imperfect fungus.&#x0D; Results: The variability between genotypes was higher for qualitative characters related to disease resistance. It is possible to select individual plants for opening lines in Generation F3. 7 plants; 7; 15; 50; 69; 120; 155; 157; 196; 314; 326; 331; 347 should be selected for not presenting symptoms of fungi diseases.&#x0D; Conclusion: Greater diversity among genotypes was detected when the incidence of diseases in the plants was evaluated. The plants 7; 15; 50; 69; 120; 155; 157; 196; 314; 326; 331; 347 should be selected because they do not present symptoms of fungal diseases.

Genetic diversity among common bean cultivars based on agronomic traits and molecular markers and application to recommendation of parent lines

Estimates of genetic diversity based on molecular and morphological data are common in the literature; however, they do not take the most agronomically important traits into consideration. Use of these estimates for recommending parent lines has not had much practical success because the populations thus generated generally exhibit wide variability, but medium to low means for the target trait. A total of 17 common bean cultivars were evaluated in 31 trials conducted in 2008, 2009, and 2010 in the rainy, dry, and winter crop seasons in Brazil. Twelve traits of agronomic importance were evaluated. Analysis of variance were performed on the data and the means were used to estimate the Euclidean distances. In addition, leaves were collected, DNA extracted, and amplification reactions were performed with 33 microsatellite markers to obtain the genetic distances based on complement of the weighted similarity indexes. The genotypes were clustered by the Tocher method. Both forms of estimation of genetic distance showed diversity among the cultivars. The Pearson correlation estimate between the agronomic and molecular genetic distance matrices was significant (0.32), but of low magnitude, which indicates that the distances estimated by the two sets of data supply different information. Coincidence between the clusters was 53%, confirming that this information can truly be considered complementary. The phenotypic mean values for grain yield, the divergence estimates, and the clusters formed by phenotypic and molecular data indicated some crosses with greater probability of obtaining higher yielding lines: BRSMG Majestoso × CNFC 10431, BRS Estilo × BRS Notavel, and BRS Estilo × BRS Pontal.