ABSTRACT The tall coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) has great socioeconomic importance in Brazil and was first introduced on the coast of the north-eastern region, where it has been exploited in a semi-extractivist manner. The goal of this study was to quantify the genetic divergence between accessions introduced and preserved at the International Coconut Genebank for Latin America and the Caribbean, estimate the efficiency of descriptors used in the discrimination of the accessions, and indicate the essential descriptors for the activities of characterisation and evaluation. The accessions used were: Polynesia Tall; Tonga Tall; West African Tall; Rennel Tall; Rotuma Tall; Vanuatu Tall; Malayan Tall and Brazilian Tall Praia-do-Forte. Thirty-five quantitative descriptors recommended for the species were used. Genetic divergence was estimated by the Mahalanobis’s generalised distance and the cluster analysis was performed using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The relative importance of the descriptors was measured according to Singh and Jolliffe’s methods, and the variables were selected taking into consideration the matching information in the two methods, eliminating those that were discarded in the two procedures. The agronomic characteristics indicated that the first canonical variable explained 90.25% of total variance. The most efficient descriptors for detecting the genetic divergence were: fruit equatorial circumference; nut polar and equatorial circumference; quantity of liquid endosperm; total fruit weight; nut weight; stem height; girth of stem at 1,5m height; number of leaflets; and number of bunches. The most dissimilar accessions according to the agronomic characteristics were Rotuma Tall and West African Tall, which can be primarily indicated as genitors for the formation of segregating populations in breeding programmes. | RESUMO O coqueiro-gigante (Cocos nucifera L.) tem grande importância socioeconômica no Brasil e foi primeiramente introduzido no litoral da região Nordeste, onde é explorado de forma semi-extrativista. O objetivo desse trabalho foi quantificar a divergência genética entre os acessos introduzidos e conservados no Banco Internacional de Germoplasma de Coco para América Latina e Caribe, verificar a eficiência dos descritores utilizados na discriminação dos acessos e indicar os essenciais para etapas de caracterização e avaliação. Foram avaliados os acessos: Gigante-da-Polinésia; Gigante-de-Tonga; Gigante-do-Oeste-Africano; Gigante-de-Rennel; Gigante-de-Rotuma; Gigante-de-Vanuatu; Gigante-da-Malásia e Gigante-da-Praia-do-Forte. Utilizou-se 35 descritores quantitativos recomendados para a espécie. A divergência genética foi estimada pela distância generalizada de Mahalanobis e o agrupamento foi realizado pelo método UPGMA. A importância relativa dos descritores foi mensurada de acordo com os métodos de Singh e Jolliffe e as variáveis foram selecionadas levando-se em consideração as informações coincidentes nos dois métodos, eliminando-se aqueles que foram descartados em ambos os procedimentos. Utilizando as características agronômicas detectou-se que a primeira variável canônica explicou 90,25% da variância total. Os descritores mais eficientes para detecção da divergência genética foram: circunferência equatorial do fruto, circunferência polar e equatorial da noz, volume do endosperma, peso total do fruto e noz, altura de estipe, circunferência do estipe a 150 cm do solo, número de folíolos e número de cachos por planta. Os acessos mais dissimilares pelas características agronômicas foram o Gigante-de-Rotuma e Gigante-do-Oeste-Africano, os quais podem ser prioritariamente indicados como genitores para a formação de populações segregantes em programas de melhoramento.

ABSTRACT Information is needed on the characteristics of potential accessions of Spondias tuberosa Arruda Câmara (umbu) and Spondias sp.(umbu-caja) for commercial planting and preservation. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the leaf contents and cycling of nutrients of 15 accessions of umbu and one of umbu -caja. The treatments consisted of 16 accessions: BGU-44, BGU-45, BGU-47, BGU-48, BGU-50, BGU-75, EPAMIG-01, EPAMIG-03, EPAMIG-04, EPAMIG-05, EPAMIG-06, EPAMIG-07, EPAMIG-09, EPAMIG-13, umbu of unknown origin and the umbu-caja Princesa. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted, with three replicates, consisting of one plant each. Nutrient contents in the leaves were measured in the leaf flushing and leaf senescence phases in the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons, and the N, P, K and Mg retranslocation rates were determined. The accessions showed average leaf nutrient contents of 28.6, 27.6, 9.5, 4.20, 2.5 and 2.0 g kg-1 with the descending order N>Ca>K>Mg>S>P, respectively, and 103.61, 86.22, 82.12, 60.2, 16.0 and 3.52 mg kg-1 of Fe>B>Na>Mn>Zn>Cu, respectively. The accession BGU-48 had higher N and P retranslocation efficiency in the leaves and BGU-50 showed recycling efficiency for K and Mg. The order of retranslocation rates is K>P>N>Mg, being higher in the 2015/2016 season. | RESUMO O umbuzeiro e umbu-cajazeira demandam informações sobre as características de acessos potenciais para implantação comercial e preservação. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o teor foliar e ciclagem dos nutrientes de 15 acessos de umbuzeiro e um de umbucajazeira. Os tratamentos constaram de 16 acessos: BGU -44, BGU-45, BGU-47, BGU-48, BGU-50, BGU-75, EPAMIG-01, EPAMIG-03, EPAMIG-04, EPAMIG-05, EPAMIG-06, EPAMIG-07, EPAMIG-09, EPAMIG-13, umbuzeiro de origem desconhecida e umbu-cajazeira Princesa. Adotou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições, constituídas de uma planta cada. Foram mensurados os teores de nutrientes nas folhas, nas fases de emissão de fluxo foliar e senescência das folhas, nas safras de 2015/2016 e 2016/2017, e determinou-se a taxa de retranslocação de N, P, K e Mg. Verificou-se que os acessos denotaram teores médios de nutrientes na folha de 28,6; 27,6; 9,5; 4,20; 2,5 e 2,0 g kg-1 com ordem decrescente N>Ca>K>Mg>S>P, respectivamente, e 103,61; 86,22; 82,12; 60,2; 16,0 e 3,52 mg kg-1 de Fe>B>Na>Mn>Zn>Cu, respectivamente. O acesso BGU-48 revelou maior eficiência de retranslocação de N e P nas folhas e o BGU-50 expressou eficiência de reciclagem para K e Mg. A ordem das taxas de retranslocação é K>P>N>Mg sendo maior na safra 2015/2016.

RESUMO Variedades tradicionais são fontes de variabilidade genética, principalmente no que se refere a alelos que conferem tolerância a fatores bióticos e abióticos e, portanto, podem auxiliar os programas de melhoramento no desenvolvimento de cultivares promissoras. Contudo, torna-se necessário conhecer esse patrimônio genético em nível que permita sua pretensa utilização em programas de melhoramento genético. Assim, objetivou-se com esse estudo: (i) identificar variedades tradicionais de feijão-caupi que apresentem potencial agronômico e (ii) avaliar a diversidade genética das mesmas para orientação de futuros cruzamentos. Para tal, dois ensaios (litoral e sertão do estado do Ceará) foram realizados em períodos distintos para a caracterização morfoagronômica de oito variedades tradicionais do estado do Ceará mais duas cultivares testemunhas. Ambos os ensaios foram realizados no delineamento em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Adicionalmente, foi feita a caracterização molecular por marcadores ISSR. Devido a presença de interação genótipos por ambientes, observou-se que para as condições do litoral (Fortaleza), a variedade tradicional Boi Deitado foi a mais indicada, e para as condições do sertão (Madalena) foi a Vinagre Barrigudo de Caldo, por serem superiores quanto ao rendimento de grãos e quanto a outros caracteres agronômicos. Buscando ampliar a base genética do feijão-caupi, sugerem-se cruzamentos entre os genótipos Boi deitado e Cojó para a geração de populações segregantes em futuros programas de melhoramento. | ABSTRACT Landraces are sources of genetic variability, especially with respect to alleles that confer tolerance to biotic and abiotic factors and, therefore, can aid breeding programs in the development of promising cultivars. However, it is necessary to know this genetic patrimony at a level that allows its alleged use in breeding programs. In this sense, the objective of this study was: (i) to identify cowpea landraces that present agronomic potential and (ii) to evaluate the genetic diversity for future cross-breeding. For this, two trials (coastal and sertão of the state of Ceará) were carried out in distinct periods for the morphological and agronomic characterization of eight landraces of the state of Ceará plus two control cultivars. Both assays were conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Additionally, the molecular characterization by ISSR markers was done. Due to the presence of interaction genotypes by environments, it was observed for the conditions of the coast (Fortaleza), the traditional variety Boi Deitado and the conditions of the sertão (Madalena) to Vinagre Barrigudo de Caldo, as the most indicated to be superior in grain yield and in other agronomic characters. In order to increase the genetic base of the cowpea, we suggest crosses between genotypes Boi deitado and Cojó for the generation of segregating populations of future breeding programs.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize buffel grass accessions of the Cenchrus Germplasm Active Bank (CGAB) from Embrapa Semi-Arid in a morphoagronomic way, checking the descriptors variability and efficiency in accessions on two consecutive cuts. Twenty-five accessions and five buffel grass cultivars were used in randomized complete block design with three replications. Evaluations were conducted after two consecutive cuts, each evaluation performed 90 days after each cut. Characterization was based on 15 quantitative and qualitative morphoagronomic descriptors. Quantitative descriptors were subjected to individual and joint univariate analysis of variance, followed by the Scott-Knott’s test at 5% significance. Yet qualitative descriptors were submitted to descriptive analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative descriptors were grouped based on the Gower algorithm for divergence analysis. A dendrogram and calculations of the characters relative importance for divergence were established. Genotype and cutting effects were significant for almost all descriptors in the joint analysis. This result indicates a genetic variability between genotypes and, regarding the cut, it indicates mainly differences in growth rate of each genotype in each cutting season. Genotypes were separated into three groups, which showed good genotype variation. The number of tillers per clump, followed by number of inflorescence and color of seeds, were the most relevant characters in genotype separation. | RESUMO O estudo objetivou caracterizar morfoagronomicamente acessos de capim buffel do Banco de Germoplasma de Cenchrus (BGC) da Embrapa Semiárido, verificando a variabilidade e eficiência dos descritores nos acessos em dois cortes consecutivos. Foram utilizados 25 acessos e cinco cultivares de capim buffel em delineamento em blocos casualizados completos com três repetições. As avaliações foram realizadas após dois cortes consecutivos, cada avaliação foi realizada 90 dias após cada corte. A caracterização foi realizada com base em 15 descritores morfoagronômicos quantitativos e qualitativos. Os descritores quantitativos foram submetidos a análise de variância univariada individual e conjunta e, em seguida, aplicado o teste de Scott-Knott a 5% de significância. Os descritores qualitativos foram submetidos a análise descritiva. Para as análises de divergência tanto descritores quantitativos quanto qualitativos foram agrupados com base no algoritmo de Gower. Foi estabelecido também um dendrograma e calculada a importância relativa dos caracteres para a divergência. Na análise conjunta, os efeitos de genótipo e corte foram significativos para quase todas os descritores. Esse resultado indica variabilidade genética entre os genótipos e quanto ao corte indica, principalmente, diferenças na velocidade de crescimento de cada genótipo em cada época de corte. Os genótipos foram separados em três grupos demonstrando boa variabilidade entre os genótipos. O número de perfilhos por touceira, seguida por quantidade de inflorescência e cor das sementes foram os caracteres de maior relevância na separação dos genótipos.

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 Plant breeding programs have been investing in the development of high commercial standard onions; thus, they depend on the genetic resources available for obtaining commercial hybrids. The objective of this study was to evaluate genetic parameters and diversity, and phenotypic and genotypic correlations of characters related to onion production. The experiment was conducted in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Fifty-three onion strains were evaluated, and a randomized block design was used. The number of plant and bulb characteristics evaluated was 13. The statistical analyses were performed using Genes and R software. A genetic variability among the genotypes was found for most of the characters at 1% level of significance in the F test. The heritability of most characters presented moderate to high values (≥ 70%) and high CVg/CVe ratio (≥ 1). The UPGMA method separated the genotypes into 20 groups, while the Tocher method separated them into 19 groups. The groups that stood out were V, XIV, XV, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX, and XX. The results of t-test showed six significant phenotypic correlations with low to moderate degree of association, and the genotypic correlations, in most cases, were higher than the phenotypic ones and showed the same sign. From the genetic parameters studied, the possibility of gains in the selection is high. The separation of groups of divergent genitors was possible due to the wide genetic variability for the studied characters. Moreover, the phenotypic and genotypic correlations showed that indirect selection is not feasible.

ABSTRACT The knowledge of genetic diversity in plant population is essential to the success of plant breeding programs. Thus, previous characterization of landraces is one of the first steps before the indication of genotypes to these plant breeding programs. This study aimed to characterize, through morphological traits, and estimate the genetic diversity in landraces of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.). Genetic diversity was estimated by using multivariate methods that selected individual landraces to be indicated for farmers and consumers. According to morphological traits proposed by Biodiversity International, the genotypes UFPI-667 and UFPI- 682 showed higher dissimilarity and high potential to be used in crosses since they are genetically distant and complementary. The principal component analysis identified positive and significant phenotypic associations between variables: pod length, pod width, and grain production. According to the multivariate methods used, the landraces UFPI-666, UFPI-650, UFPI-651, UFPI-687, UFPI-658, UFPI-673, UFPI-667, and UFPI-674 are potential candidates for selection since they have relevant features for lima bean breeding, such as shorter cycles and higher grain production. This study showed that multivariate analysis can be used as an effective tool to find potential traits in lima bean and can assist the lima bean breeders in the selection of potential landraces. Accessions UFPI-667 and UFPI-682 can be indicated as genitors for breeding programs, as they are genetically distant and complementary in their characteristics.

Information is needed on the characteristics of potential accessions of Spondias tuberosa Arruda Câmara (umbu) and Spondias sp.(umbu-caja) for commercial planting and preservation. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the leaf contents and cycling of nutrients of 15 accessions of umbu and one of umbu-caja. The treatments consisted of 16 accessions: BGU-44, BGU-45, BGU-47, BGU-48, BGU-50, BGU-75, EPAMIG-01, EPAMIG-03, EPAMIG-04, EPAMIG-05, EPAMIG-06, EPAMIG-07, EPAMIG-09, EPAMIG-13, umbu of unknown origin and the umbu-caja Princesa. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted, with three replicates, consisting of one plant each. Nutrient contents in the leaves were measured in the leaf flushing and leaf senescence phases in the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons, and the N, P, K and Mg retranslocation rates were determined. The accessions showed average leaf nutrient contents of 28.6, 27.6, 9.5, 4.20, 2.5 and 2.0 g kg-1 with the descending order N>Ca>K>Mg>S>P, respectively, and 103.61, 86.22, 82.12, 60.2, 16.0 and 3.52 mg kg-1 of Fe>B>Na>Mn>Zn>Cu, respectively. The accession BGU-48 had higher N and P retranslocation efficiency in the leaves and BGU-50 showed recycling efficiency for K and Mg. The order of retranslocation rates is K>P>N>Mg, being higher in the 2015/2016 season.   | O umbuzeiro e umbu-cajazeira demandam informações sobre as características de acessos potenciais para implantação comercial e preservação. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o teor foliar e ciclagem dos nutrientes de 15 acessos de umbuzeiro e um de umbucajazeira. Os tratamentos constaram de 16 acessos: BGU-44, BGU-45, BGU-47, BGU-48, BGU-50, BGU-75, EPAMIG-01, EPAMIG-03, EPAMIG-04, EPAMIG-05, EPAMIG-06, EPAMIG-07, EPAMIG-09, EPAMIG-13, umbuzeiro de origem desconhecida e umbu-cajazeira Princesa. Adotou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições, constituídas de uma planta cada. Foram mensurados os teores de nutrientes nas folhas, nas fases de emissão de fluxo foliar e senescência das folhas, nas safras de 2015/2016 e 2016/2017, e determinou-se a taxa de retranslocação de N, P, K e Mg. Verificou-se que os acessos denotaram teores médios de nutrientes na folha de 28,6; 27,6; 9,5; 4,20; 2,5 e 2,0 g kg-1 com ordem decrescente N>Ca>K>Mg>S>P, respectivamente, e 103,61; 86,22; 82,12; 60,2; 16,0 e 3,52 mg kg-1 de Fe>B>Na>Mn>Zn>Cu, respectivamente. O acesso BGU-48 revelou maior eficiência de retranslocação de N e P nas folhas e o BGU-50 expressou eficiência de reciclagem para K e Mg. A ordem das taxas de retranslocação é K>P>N>Mg sendo maior na safra 2015/2016.