ABSTRACT Studies on lettuce genotypes growing in different environments and planting seasons are important for this crop because its productive potential is greatly affected by environmental conditions. The mixed model methodology (REML/BLUP) have been used to evaluate the effects of the genotype-environment interaction on crops. Thus, the objective of the present work was to estimate parameters of adaptability and the phenotypic stability in lettuce cultivars grown in a semiarid region of Brazil, using a mixed model. Twelve lettuce cultivars from the Americana (Angelina, Amélia, and Tainá), Crespa (Scarlet, Vera, Isabela, and Vanda), Mimosa (Mila, Mimosa, and Lavínia), and Lisa (Elisa and Regiane) groups were evaluated. The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design, with four replications. The genetic parameters were estimated by the REML/BLUP method; and the simultaneous selection of productivity, stability, and adaptability of the genotypes was based on harmonic means of relative performances of predicted genotypic values (HMRPPGV). The Amélia, Angelina, and Tainá cultivars stood out for yield. The Regiane and Elisa cultivars presented significant responses in yield and number of leaves and are the most suitable for growing in the environmental conditions of Mossoró, RN, Brazil. The Crespa and Mimosa groups presented no stability and adaptability to the environmental conditions in which the experiments were conducted. More genotypes of all lettuce groups should be evaluated, and breeding programs should be developed to obtain genotypes with higher productivity, quality, and resistance to heat for semiarid regions. | RESUMO O estudo de genótipos, em diferentes ambientes ou épocas de cultivo, tem grande importância para a cultura da alface, cuja expressão do potencial produtivo é influenciada pelas condições ambientais. Deste modo, a aplicação da metodologia de modelos mistos (REML/BLUP) tem sido utilizada para avaliar os efeitos da interação genótipo x ambiente. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi estimar os parâmetros de adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica que estão relacionados a produção de cultivares de alface em região de clima semiárido utilizando modelo misto. Avaliaram-se doze cultivares de alface dos grupos Americana (Angelina, Amélia, Tainá), Crespa (Scarlet, Vera, Isabela, Vanda), Mimosa (Mila, Mimosa, Lavínia) e Lisa (Elisa e Regiane). O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados completos, com quatro repetições. Os parâmetros genéticos foram estimados pela metodologia REML/BLUP e a seleção simultânea da produtividade, estabilidade e adaptabilidade dos genótipos, baseou-se no método da média harmônica da performance relativa dos valores genotípicos preditos (MHPRVG). As cultivares Amélia, Angelina e Tainá sobressaíram-se para a produtividade. As cultivares Regiane e Elisa foram responsivas para o número de folhas e produtividade, sendo as mais indicadas para o cultivo nas condições de Mossoró. Os grupos Crespa e Mimosa não foram adaptados e estáveis nas condições ambientais em que foram conduzidos os ensaios. Recomenda-se que mais genótipos de todos os grupos de alface sejam testados e que, sobretudo, programas, para obter genótipos com maior resistência ao calor, produtivos e com boa qualidade, sejam desenvolvidos em regiões semiáridas.

RESUMO A seleção genômica ampla (Genome Wide Selection - GWS) utiliza simultaneamente o efeito de milhares de marcadores cobrindo todo o genoma para predizer o valor genético genômico dos indivíduos no processo de seleção. Os possíveis benefícios de seu uso são a redução do ciclo de melhoramento, propiciando maior ganho por unidade de tempo e diminuição de custos. O sucesso da GWS está atrelado a escolha do método de predição dos efeitos dos marcadores. Assim, neste trabalho, visou-se aplicar as redes neurais artificiais (Artificial Neural Networks - ANNs), com a finalidade de predizer os valores genéticos genômicos (Genomic Breeding Values - GEBVs) baseado na estimação dos efeitos dos marcadores comparados a regressão de cumeeira - melhor preditor não viesado/seleção genômica ampla (Ridge Regression - Best Linear Unbiased Predictor/Genome Wide Selection - RR-BLUP/GWS). Foram efetuadas simulações por meio do software R, fornecendo as correlações referentes às ANNs e a RR-BLUP/GWS. Os métodos de predição foram avaliados utilizando correlações entre o valor fenotípico e valor genotípico com o valor genético genômico predito. Os resultados demonstraram superioridade das ANNs na predição dos GEBVs nos cenários com maior e menor densidade de marcadores, paralelo a níveis mais altos de desequilíbrio de ligação e maior herdabilidade. | ABSTRACT Genome-wide selection (GWS) uses simultaneously the effect of the thousands markers covering the entire genome to predict genomic breeding values for individuals under selection. The possible benefits of GWS are the reduction of the breeding cycle, increase in gains per unit of time, and decrease of costs. However, the success of the GWS is dependent on the choice of the method to predict the effects of markers. Thus, the objective of this work was to predict genomic breeding values (GEBV) through artificial neural networks (ANN), based on the estimation of the effect of the markers, compared to the Ridge Regression-Best Linear Unbiased Predictor/Genome Wide Selection (RR-BLUP/GWS). Simulations were performed by software R to provide correlations concerning ANN and RR-BLUP/GWS. The prediction methods were evaluated using correlations between phenotypic and genotypic values and predicted GEBV. The results showed the superiority of the ANN in predicting GEBV in simulations with higher and lower marker densities, with higher levels of linkage disequilibrium and heritability.

ABSTRACT Passiflora cincinnata Mast. has become more popular in the market because the unusual flavor of its fruits and natural beauty of its flowers, and has great potential for breeding programs of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa, because its resistance to diseases and drought. The objective of this work was to evaluate seven wild passion fruit (P. cincinnata) accessions, using morphological and agronomic descriptors and molecular markers type ISSR, to identify their morphoagronomic and genetic variabilities and potential for use in breeding programs. A randomized block experimental design was used with five replications and two plants per plot. Thirteen qualitative and twenty-one quantitative, vegetative and floral characteristics were used for morphoagronomic characterization. Twelve ISSR primers were evaluated for molecular characterization. Among the qualitative characteristics, only the color variations were significantly different between the accessions. According to the mean squares of the quantitative characteristics evaluated, obtained from analysis of variance, the means of accessions showed significant differences (p<0.01) for all characteristics. The IAL (internode average length) was the morphological descriptor that most contributed to diversity, with 43.12%, followed by DH5 (stem diameter at 5 cm height) and SW (sepal width). The average genetic similarity found was 68%. Despite the low genetic variability found among accessions, the primers UBC-887 and UBC-841 stood out with high percentage of polymorphism with 14 and 11 polymorphic fragments, respectively, and higher values of polymorphism information content (PIC), resolving power (RP) and marker index (MI), denoting suitability for use in diversity studies of P. cincinnata. Low variability was found among accessions evaluated. | RESUMO A espécie Passiflora cincinnata Mast. vem se popularizando no mercado pelo sabor incomum dos seus frutos, beleza natural de sua flores e possui grande potencial para a cultura de Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa, pois apresenta resistência a doenças e déficit hídrico. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar sete acessos de maracujá-do-mato (P. cincinnata) por meio de descritores morfológicos, descritores agronômicos e marcadores moleculares do tipo ISSR visando identificar variabilidade morfoagronômica e genética e o potencial para serem utilizados em programas de melhoramento. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições e duas plantas por parcela. Para caracterização morfoagronômica foram avaliadas 13 características qualitativas e 21 características quantitativas vegetativas e florais. Para caracterização molecular foram testados 12 primers de ISSR. Entre as características qualitativas apenas as variações de coloração apresentaram diferenças marcantes entre os diferentes acessos. De acordo com os quadrados médios obtidos das análises de variância para as características quantitativas avaliadas pode-se ressaltar as diferenças significativas (p<0,01) entre as médias dos acessos para todos os caracteres avaliados. Verificou-se que para os 21 descritores morfológicos avaliados, o que mais contribuiu para a diversidade foi o MI (média internódio) com 43,12%, seguido por DH5 (diâmetro das hastes a 5 centímetros do solo) e LS (largura da sépala). A similaridade genética média encontrada foi 68%. Apesar de ser diagnosticada baixa variabilidade genética entre os acessos avaliados, os primers UBC-887 e UBC-841 se destacaram com alto percentual de polimorfismo, com 14 e 11 fragmentos polimórficos respectivamente e valores altos para conteúdo da informação de polimorfismo (PIC), poder de resolução do primer (RP) e índice do marcador (MI) dos primers, demonstrando aptidão para serem utilizados em pesquisas de diversidade em P. cincinnata. Foi diagnosticada baixa variabilidade entre os acessos avaliados.

RESUMO Com a expansão do plantio de sorgo como cultura de sucessão na segunda safra, os programas de melhoramento precisam ampliar a criação de novas linhagens, visando à produção de híbridos de alto desempenho. O primeiro passo para o processo de seleção consiste na avaliação do desempenho per se das linhagens ou de suas combinações híbridas. O presente trabalho objetivou estimar a capacidade combinatória de linhagens de sorgo granífero em diferentes condições ambientais em plantios na segunda safra. Os ensaios foram conduzidos em sistema de plantio direto, em quatro ambientes: Rio Verde, Sete Lagoas, Teresina e Sinop. Foram avaliados trinta híbridos resultantes dos cruzamentos de seis linhagens restauradoras da fertilidade (R) com cinco linhagens macho-estéreis (A). Foi empregado o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com três repetições. As características avaliadas foram dias para o florescimento, altura das plantas e produtividade de grãos. O ambiente influenciou significativamente nas estimativas de capacidade geral e específica de combinação, e estas sugerem haver importância dos efeitos aditivos e dominantes no controle desses caracteres. As linhagens restauradoras GI.1 e G1.2 contribuíram para aumentar a produtividade de seus híbridos em mais 650 kg.ha-1. Entre as linhagens macho estéreis as melhores para rendimento de grãos foram GII.1 e GII.4 com contribuição acima de 450 kg.ha-1 nos híbridos em que participaram. As combinações híbridas GI.5xGII.3 e GI.1xGII.2 se destacaram por apresentarem potencial de obterem médias altas de produtividade de grãos, associando aspectos favoráveis de dias para o florescimento e altura das plantas. | ABSTRACT The expansion of sorghum as a succession crop, after soybean, has demanded the development of new inbred lines by the breeding programs. The first step in the selection process consists of evaluating the performance per se of the inbred lines or of their hybrid combination. The purpose of this study was to determine the combining ability of sorghum inbred lines under different environment conditions of the crop production areas. The trials were carried out in the second season of 2017, under no-tillage system, in four environments, Rio Verde, Sete Lagoas, Teresina and Sinop. Thirty hybrids, resulting from the crosses of six fertility restoration lines (R) with five male-sterile lines (A) were evaluated. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used in all experiments. The characteristics evaluated were flowering, plant height and grain yield. The environment significantly influenced the estimates of general and specific combining ability, which suggests that both effects, additive and dominant, are important in the control of these characters. The restoring lines GI.1 and G1.2 contributed to increasing the grain yield of their hybrids by over 650 kg.ha-1. Among the male-sterile lines, the best for grain yield were GII. 1 and GII.4 with contribution above 450 kg.ha-1 in the hybrids in which they participate. The hybrid combinations GI.5xGII.3 and GI.1xGII.2 stood out with potential to obtain high grain yield, associating positive aspects of the other characteristics.

RESUMO O algodoeiro de fibra natural colorida tem recebido atenção dos programas de melhoramento na região semiárida do Nordeste brasileiro devido ao aumento no interesse por este tipo de fibra. Com isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar genótipos de algodoeiro de fibra colorida quanto às características agronômicas e tecnológicas da fibra para as condições da região semiárida brasileira. O experimento foi realizado em dois ambientes (Patos-PB e Apodi-RN), na safra de 2016. O delineamento foi blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Foram utilizados 11 genótipos de fibra colorida e três testemunhas (BRS Topázio, BRS Rubi e BRS Verde), constituindo 14 tratamentos. As características avaliadas foram: Produtividade de algodão em caroço (PROD, kg.ha-1), Porcentagem de fibra (PF, %), Comprimento de fibra (COMP, mm), Resistência (RES, gf.tex-1) e Finura (FIN, µg.in-1). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância individual e conjunta e as médias foram agrupadas pelo teste de Scott e Knott (1974) a 0.05 de probabilidade. Os genótipos apresentaram variabilidade para as características estudadas com possibilidade de ganhos genéticos em ciclos posteriores de seleção. BRS Topázio, CNPA 2002 10245 e CNPA 2002 10327 apresentaram as melhores estimativas para as características avaliadas, sendo selecionados para futuros trabalhos de melhoramento do algodoeiro para o semiárido. | ABSTRACT Naturally-colored cotton fiber has received attention from breeding programs in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil due to an increased interest in its fibers. Therefore, this study aimed to select genotypes of colored cotton fiber for agronomic and technological fiber characteristics for the Brazilian semi-arid conditions. The experiment was carried out in two environments (Patos-PB and Apodi-RN) in Brazil during the 2016 growing season. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four replications. Treatments consisted of eleven colored fiber genotypes and three controls (BRS Topázio, BRS Rubi, and BRS Verde). The following traits were assessed: seed cotton yield (SCY, kg ha-1), lint percentage (LP, %), lint length (LEN, mm), lint strength (STR, gf tex-1), and lint micronaire (MIC, µg in-1). The data were submitted to individual and joint variance analyses, and means were grouped by the Scott and Knott (1974) test at 0.05 probability. Genotypes showed variability in all traits, which allows genetic gains in subsequent cycles of selection. The genotypes BRS Topázio, CNPA 2002 10245, and CNPA 2002 10327 presented the best estimates for the assessed traits, thus they can be selected for future studies in cotton breeding programs in the semiarid region.

ABSTRACT The low use of technologies by farmers and the occurrence of biotic and abiotic stresses are limiting factors for cowpea production in the Brazilian Northeast region. The tolerance of genotypes to drought is an alternative to decrease the negative effects of stresses on cowpea production. Thus, the objective of this work was to identify parents and combinations of cowpea genotypes with high probability of generating segregating populations with tolerance to drought. Six cowpea genotypes were crossed in a complete diallel cross design, totaling 30 F2 populations, which were evaluated together with their parents in an experiment under water deficit at the experimental field of the Embrapa Mid-North, Teresina, State of Piauí, Brazil. A triple lattice incomplete block experiment design was used, with three replications, with experimental plot consisting of six 2-m plant rows. Fifteen plants per plot were sampled to evaluate their agronomic characteristics, whose results were subjected to analysis of variance and means were used to estimate the general and specific combining abilities. The genotypes showed significant differences in all characteristics evaluated, denoting the genetic variability of the population. The additive effects were more important than the non-additive effects, and maternal inheritance was detected. The genotypes BRS Xiquexique, Pingo-de-Ouro-1-2 and MNC99-510F-16-1 were the most promising for use in recurrent selection programs for tolerance to water deficit. The hybrid combinations (1) BRS Paraguaçu X (4) CNCx-698-128G, (2) Pingo-de-Ouro-1-2 X (3) BRS Xiquexique, (3) BRS Xiquexique X (5) Santo-Inácio, (4) CNCx-698-128G X (6) MNC99-510F-16-1 and (5) Santo-Inácio X (4) CNCx-698-128G showed potential for generating superior lineages regarding bean production and tolerance to water deficit. | RESUMO A baixa adoção de tecnologias pelos agricultores e a ocorrência de estresses bióticos e abióticos são fatores que limitam a produção do feijão-caupi na região Nordeste do Brasil. A tolerância de genótipos à seca é uma das formas para diminuir os efeitos negativos dos estresses sobre a produtividade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar genitores e combinações promissoras com maior probabilidade de gerarem populações segregantes de feijão-caupi tolerantes à seca. Foi realizado um dialelo completo envolvendo seis genótipos de feijão-caupi, totalizando 30 populações F2, que foram avaliadas, juntamente com seus genitores, em um ensaio sob déficit hídrico, no campo experimental da Embrapa Meio-Norte, em Teresina-PI. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental látice triplo, com parcela de 6 linhas de 2 m, sendo amostradas 15 plantas por parcela. Foram avaliados caracteres agronômicos e submetidos à análise de variância e, utilizando-se das médias, obtiveram-se as estimativas de capacidade geral e específica de combinação. Observou-se diferenças significativas para todos os caracteres, evidenciando a existência de variabilidade genética na população. Os efeitos aditivos foram mais importantes que os efeitos não aditivos, sendo também constatada a presença de herança materna. Os genótipos BRS Xiquexique, Pingo de Ouro-1-2 e MNC99- 510F-16-1 foram os mais promissores para utilização em programa de seleção recorrente visando tolerância ao déficit hídrico. As combinações híbridas (1) BRS Paraguaçu X (4) CNCx 698-128G, (2) Pingo de Ouro-1-2 X (3) BRS Xiquexique, (3) BRS Xiquexique X (5) Santo Inácio, (4) CNCx 698-128G X (6) MNC99-510F-16-1 e (5) Santo Inácio X (4) CNCx 698-128G, possuem potencial simultâneos para extração de linhagens superiores quanto à produtividade de grãos e tolerantes ao déficit hídrico.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate mango hybrids obtained by open pollination based on the physical and chemical traits of the fruit, and to analyze the genetic diversity among these hybrids to find plants that produce quality fruit both for direct consumption and for industrial processing. The hybrids under study were generated from seeds produced from crosses with unknown genotypes as a result of open pollination. The unknown genotypes were randomly scattered in areas dedicated to growing a Tommy Atkins variety, and plants were obtained from mango seeds generated through sexual propagation. To assess genetic diversity, cluster analysis was carried out, as well as principal component analysis. Two hybrids were most prominent in terms of fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, pulp weight, and pulp yield, with mean values greater than 245 g for pulp weight and 70% for pulp yield. Regarding fiber content in the pulp, six hybrids had a score of "2", that is, moderately fibrous fruit. For acidity and soluble solids content, the hybrids exhibited variations from 0.19 to 1.06% of citric acid and from 13.1 to 20.6 ºBrix, respectively. For peel color, tones ranging from reddish orange to yellow and green were observed. As for pulp color, there was variation from orange to light yellow tones. There was variability among the mango hybrids regarding the fruit traits analyzed, and hybrids that produce fruit that combine traits of economic interest were identified.

ABSTRACT Peppers and bell peppers (Capsicum spp.) are vegetables that have wide genetic variability, as well as a wide range of applications. Studies on genetic diversity help to understand the existing variability and the conservation of genetic resources, allowing breeders to select superior genotypes that meet the needs of breeding programmes. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity among 15 Capsicum genotypes based on morpho-agronomic descriptors and through the Ward-MLM (Modified Location Model) procedure, as well as to indicate the most promising genotypes for breeding programmes. The research was conducted in an experimental area using a randomized block design, with three replications, using nine qualitative descriptors and ten quantitative descriptors. Analysis of variance was performed, and means were subsequently grouped by Scott-Knott’s method. There was a significant difference between genotypes for all traits evaluated, making it possible to select promising genotypes. According to the Scott-Knott grouping test, the number of seeds per fruit had the largest number of groups, with eight distinct groups, while plant height had only two groups. The genotypes GEN18 and GEN21 had the highest average values for fruit wall thickness and thus are indicated for the preparation of sauces. The genotypes GEN14 and GEN16 were the most promising for use for ornamental purposes. The Ward-MLM method made it possible to differentiate C. annuum L., C. baccatum L., C. chinense Jacq., and C. frutescens L. into different groups, and is thus a useful tool to detect genetic divergence.

ABSTRACT The rich genetic diversity and wide adaptation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) to different environments provide fundamental resources for its conservation and improvement. The analysis of canonical correlations can be used to increase the efficiency of selecting superior genotypes, as several traits are evaluated simultaneously. Thus, this study aimed to compare morphoagronomic traits and estimate the magnitude of the association and interdependence between two groups of traits in genotypes of special types of rice. The experiment was carried out between November 2020 and April 2021 at the Department of Plant Science of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica - RJ. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with four replications. Seventeen genotypes were evaluated, five of them consisting of white rice and eleven special types of rice. Two groups of variables were used to determine the canonical correlations, with group I composed of four morphological traits and group II composed of four yield components. Significant differences (P<0.01) were observed between genotypes for the eight evaluated traits. The first, second, and third pairs showed significant canonical correlations at a 5% probability, demonstrating that these groups are not independent. The selection of superior genotypes for production can be based on choosing plants with higher flag leaf thickness, higher height, and lower flag leaf angle.