Morphological diversity among Brazilian Capsicum peppers / Diversidade morfológica entre pimentas Capsicum brasileiras

ABSTRACT: This research aimed to morphologically characterize and estimate the genetic diversity of 21 Capsicum accessions belonging to the Capsicum Germplasm Active Bank at the Universidade Federal do Piauí (BAGC-UFPI) using uni- and multivariate analysis. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, by completely randomized experimental design with four repetitions, with one plant per plot. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the comparison of means for seven quantitative variables were performed, followed by clustering the averages by the Scott-Knott test (P < 0.05). The analysis of the seven quantitative and thirteen qualitative descriptors was estimated based on the Gower distance. Later, it was performed the principal component analysis and the UPGMA hierarchical cluster method. Results characterized and identified a wide intra- and interspecific genetic variability related to the fruit size, colors, and shapes among the Brazilian Capsicum genotypes belonging to the BAGC-UFPI. The descriptors used in this research were effective in the discrimination of the pepper accessions, especially the closely related C. frutescens and C. chinense species.

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar e estimar a diversidade genética em 21 acessos de Capsicum pertencentes ao Banco Ativo de Germoplasma da Universidade Federal do Piauí (BAGC-UFPI), por análises uni e multivariadas. O experimento foi conduzido em telado, utilizando-se o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições, sendo uma planta por parcela. Realizou-se análise de variância (ANOVA) e comparação da média para as setes variáveis quantitativas, seguidas do agrupamentos de médias pelo teste Scott-Knott (P < 0,05). A análise dos sete descritores quantitativos e treze qualitativos foi estimada com base na distância de Gower. Posteriormente, foi realizada a análise de componentes principais e o método de agrupamento hierárquico UPGMA. Os resultados caracterizaram e identificaram uma ampla variabilidade genética intra e interespecífica relacionada ao tamanho, cor e formato dos frutos entre os genótipos brasileiros de Capsicum do banco de germoplasma de pimentas BAGC-UFPI. Os descritores utilizados foram eficientes na discriminação dos acessos de pimentas, especialmente para espécies proximamente relacionadas C. frutescens e C. chinense.

Interpopulation characterization of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) from different agroecological environments of Colombia / Caracterização interpopulacional de quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) de diferentes ambientes agroecológicos da Colômbia

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. it is an Andean cereal of great importance for human consumption due to its high nutritional value. In Colombia there is a high phenotypic and genotypic variability within quinoa crops, which has not been studied and has been maintained by the same farmers cycle after production cycle. The objective of this study was to carry out an interpopulation characterization of quinoa cultivated in different producing municipalities of the department of Boyacá, in Colombia, for which 19 morphological descriptors were used, which were evaluated in situ in nine municipalities and analyzed through descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, correlation and conglomerates. In the evaluation of the quantitative traits for all the populations, it was observed that the most variable descriptors were Number of teeth lower leaf (DHI), Lower leaf length (LHI), Width upper leaf (AHI) and Number of teeth upper leaf (DHS). Great segregation between and within individuals of Blanca de Jericó and Piartal was observed for panicle and leaf color and shape, stem color, presence of teeth, and axils on upper and lower leaves. A classification key is proposed that allows in the field to be able to morphologically differentiate the genotypes of Piartal and Blanca de Jericó. This research shows that among the most cultivated genotypes in the department of Boyacá, there is still an important phenotypic diversity given at the inter and intra-individual level, due to the phenological state and the agroclimatological conditions of the different producing regions.

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. é um cereal andino de grande importância para a alimentação humana por causa do seu alto valor nutricional. Na Colômbia, existe uma alta variabilidade fenotípica e genotípica nos cultivos de quinoa, que não foi estudada e tem sido mantida pelo mesmo produtor ciclo após ciclo de produção. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma caracterização interpopulacional da quinoa cultivada em diferentes municípios produtores do departamento de Boyacá, na Colômbia. Para tanto, foram utilizados 19 descritores morfológicos, avaliados in situ em nove municípios e analisados por meio de estatísticas descritivas, análise de componentes principais, correlação e conglomerados. Na avaliação dos caracteres quantitativos para todas as populações, observou-se que os descritores mais variáveis foram: número de dentes da folha inferior (DHI), comprimento da folha inferior (LHI), largura da folha superior (AHI) e número de dentes da folha superior (DHS). Entre os indivíduos de Blanca de Jericó e Piartal e dentro deles, observou-se grande segregação quanto à cor, formato da panícula e folha, cor do caule, presença de dentes e axilas nas folhas superiores e inferiores. É proposta uma chave de classificação que permite no campo poder diferenciar morfologicamente os genótipos de Piartal e Blanca de Jericó. Esta pesquisa mostra que, entre os genótipos mais cultivados no departamento de Boyacá, ainda existe uma importante diversidade fenotípica em nível inter e intraindividual, em razão do estado fenológico e das condições agroclimatológicas das diferentes regiões produtoras.

Morphological diversity among Brazilian Capsicum peppers / Diversidade morfológica entre pimentas Capsicum brasileiras

This research aimed to morphologically characterize and estimate the genetic diversity of 21 Capsicum accessions belonging to the Capsicum Germplasm Active Bank at the Universidade Federal do Piauí (BAGC-UFPI) using uni- and multivariate analysis. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, by completely randomized experimental design with four repetitions, with one plant per plot. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the comparison of means for seven quantitative variables were performed, followed by clustering the averages by the Scott-Knott test (P < 0.05). The analysis of the seven quantitative and thirteen qualitative descriptors was estimated based on the Gower distance. Later, it was performed the principal component analysis and the UPGMA hierarchical cluster method. Results characterized and identified a wide intra- and interspecific genetic variability related to the fruit size, colors, and shapes among the Brazilian Capsicum genotypes belonging to the BAGC-UFPI. The descriptors used in this research were effective in the discrimination of the pepper accessions, especially the closely related C. frutescens and C. chinense species.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar e estimar a diversidade genética em 21 acessos de Capsicum pertencentes ao Banco Ativo de Germoplasma da Universidade Federal do Piauí (BAGC-UFPI), por análises uni e multivariadas. O experimento foi conduzido em telado, utilizando-se o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições, sendo uma planta por parcela. Realizou-se análise de variância (ANOVA) e comparação da média para as setes variáveis quantitativas, seguidas do agrupamentos de médias pelo teste Scott-Knott (P < 0,05). A análise dos sete descritores quantitativos e treze qualitativos foi estimada com base na distância de Gower. Posteriormente, foi realizada a análise de componentes principais e o método de agrupamento hierárquico UPGMA. Os resultados caracterizaram e identificaram uma ampla variabilidade genética intra e interespecífica relacionada ao tamanho, cor e formato dos frutos entre os genótipos brasileiros de Capsicum do banco de germoplasma de pimentas BAGC-UFPI. Os descritores utilizados foram eficientes na discriminação dos acessos de pimentas, especialmente para espécies proximamente relacionadas C. frutescens e C. chinense.

Otolith shape analysis supports three cryptic species in the Stellifer punctatissimus complex (Acanthuriformes: Sciaenidae)

Sciaenidae species (croakers and drums) are known for specializations in their sensory apparatus, such as otoliths and lateral line. Within this family, some Stelliferinae members remain taxonomically unresolved due to their cryptic aspects and low phenotypic disparities. Stellifer punctatissimus comprises a species complex putatively formed by three species on morphological grounds, but molecular data have indicated only two evolutionary lineages. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that this complex is composed of Stellifer gomezi (GM), S. menezesi (MN), and S. punctatissimus (PC), using the otolith shape and morphology to differentiate them. Seventy-seven sagittal otoliths (GM = 30, MN = 30, PC = 17) were photographed to outline the otolith contour by Elliptical Fourier descriptors. Ten otoliths for each group were used to detect shape variation in the sulcus acusticus through semilandmarks. Differences in otolith shape contour were recorded among the species by PERMANOVA (Pseudo-F = 4.02, df = 2, p < 0.001) and corroborated by the Linear Discriminant Analysis, which demonstrated three partially segregated groups with satisfactory re-classification rates. A larger sulcus acusticus (GM and MN), rounded projection (PC), and distinct rectangularity pattern were also recorded. Our results support the morphological hypothesis and thus contribute to narrowing the taxonomic gaps in Sciaenidae.

As espécies de Sciaenidae (corvinas e pescadas) são conhecidas por especializações nos aparatos sensoriais, como otólitos e linha lateral. Nesta família, alguns membros de Stelliferinae permanecem com sua taxonomia não resolvida devido às características crípticas e baixas disparidades fenotípicas. Stellifer punctatissimus supostamente compreende um complexo formado por três espécies, mas os dados moleculares têm indicado apenas duas linhagens evolutivas. Aqui, testamos a hipótese de que esse complexo é composto por Stellifer gomezi (GM), S. menezesi (MN), e S. punctatissimus (PC), usando a forma e morfologia do otólito para diferenciá-las. Setenta e sete otólitos sagita (GM = 30, MN = 30, PC = 17) foram fotografados para delimitar o seu contorno pelos descritores Elípticos de Fourier. Dez otólitos, por grupo, foram usados para detectar a variação de forma no sulcus acusticus através dos semilandmarks. Foram registradas diferenças na forma do otólito entre as espécies através da PERMANOVA (Pseudo-F = 4,02, df = 2, p < 0,001) e pela análise discriminante linear, demonstrando três grupos parcialmente segregados com taxas de reclassificação satisfatórias. Também foram registrados um sulcus acusticus mais largo (GM e MN), projeção arredondada (PC) e padrões alométricos distintos no índice de retangularidade. Nossos resultados apoiam a hipótese morfológica; assim, contribuem na redução das lacunas taxonômicas em Sciaenidae.

Morphoagronomic and molecular characterization of Euterpe oleraceaaccessions from eastern Brazilian Amazon

Açaí (Euterpe oleraceaMart.) -a common tropical palm has high social, economic, and environmental importance in the Amazon region. In the light of increasing exploration to obtain the fruit and heart of this palms, comprehensive studies are warranted for conservation and genetic improvement. Here, we characterized açaí accessions using phenological, morphological, and agronomic descriptors and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)molecular markers for joint selection of accessions with greater productivity. Hundred accessions were analyzed using 18 morphoagronomic descriptors and 13 RAPD markers. The spathe and inflorescence emission phases during flowering and fruiting showed seasonality. Based on the coefficient of variation and mean squared error, the accessions exhibited high variability in the tested morphoagronomic descriptors and were distributed into seven groups. Fruit, seed, and pulp weights were important descriptors for the distinction of accessions and identification of those with greater productivity. The accessions presented >85% similarity, and 85 accessions, distributed in nine subgroups, could not be differentiated using RAPD markers. There was no correlation between grouping based on morphometric descriptors and RAPD markers. Panicle weight was 3.9-9.0 kg in 15 accessions and 100-fruit pulp weight was 35-50 g in six accessions. Therefore, accessions with high productivity could be selected.

Morphoagronomic and molecular characterization of Euterpe oleraceaaccessions from eastern Brazilian Amazon

Açaí (Euterpe oleraceaMart.) -a common tropical palm has high social, economic, and environmental importance in the Amazon region. In the light of increasing exploration to obtain the fruit and heart of this palms, comprehensive studies are warranted for conservation and genetic improvement. Here, we characterized açaí accessions using phenological, morphological, and agronomic descriptors and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)molecular markers for joint selection of accessions with greater productivity. Hundred accessions were analyzed using 18 morphoagronomic descriptors and 13 RAPD markers. The spathe and inflorescence emission phases during flowering and fruiting showed seasonality. Based on the coefficient of variation and mean squared error, the accessions exhibited high variability in the tested morphoagronomic descriptors and were distributed into seven groups. Fruit, seed, and pulp weights were important descriptors for the distinction of accessions and identification of those with greater productivity. The accessions presented >85% similarity, and 85 accessions, distributed in nine subgroups, could not be differentiated using RAPD markers. There was no correlation between grouping based on morphometric descriptors and RAPD markers. Panicle weight was 3.9-9.0 kg in 15 accessions and 100-fruit pulp weight was 35-50 g in six accessions. Therefore, accessions with high productivity could be selected.(AU)

Use of SPAD index in elephant grass pre-breeding / Uso do índice SPAD em pré-melhoramento de capim elefante

The SPAD-502 (Soil Plant Analysis Development) chlorophyll meter is a simple diagnostic tool that instantly measures the chlorophyll content of plant leaves without damaging the leaf blade. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the SPAD index as a tool for discriminating elephant grass acessions from different morphological groups. One hundred genotypes of the elephant grass Pennisetum purpureum from the Active Germplasm Bank at Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Minas Gerais, Brazil were evaluated. Following uniform cutting, six SPAD readings were taken from each accession every 60 days. Measurements were taken for two years. The experimental design was a 10 × 10 simple lattice with two replications. Joint deviance analysis for six SPAD measurements revealed great genetic variability between genotypes. SPAD values of Cameroon and Napier accessions were, on average, significantly different. The SPAD index was effective in detecting genetic variability between elephant grass acessions. However, it should not be used alone as a morphological descriptor, but in combination with other descriptors.

O clorofilômetro SPAD-502 (Soil Plant Analysis Development) é usado na medição indireta do conteúdo de clorofila, e é caracterizado pela rapidez e simplicidade, especialmente por ser uma medição não destrutiva do limbo foliar. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o índice SPAD como ferramenta para identificar acessos de diferentes grupos morfológicos de capim-elefante. Foram avaliados 100 genótipos do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de Capim-elefante da Embrapa Gado de Leite, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Após corte de uniformização, foram realizadas seis leituras por acesso, a cada 60 dias. As medidas foram realizadas durante dois anos. O delineamento experimental foi o látice simples (10 x 10) com duas repetições. Foi observado efeito de acessos pela análise conjunta de deviance das seis medidas do índice SPAD mostrando alta variabilidade genética entre os materiais. Os grupos Cameroon e Napier foram diferentes entre si para o índice SPAD, que se mostrou eficaz na detecção de variabilidade genética entre cultivares; contudo, deve ser usado juntamente com outros descritores e não exclusivamente como descritor morfológico.

Use of SPAD index in elephant grass pre-breeding / Uso do índice SPAD em pré-melhoramento de capim elefante

The SPAD-502 (Soil Plant Analysis Development) chlorophyll meter is a simple diagnostic tool that instantly measures the chlorophyll content of plant leaves without damaging the leaf blade. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the SPAD index as a tool for discriminating elephant grass acessions from different morphological groups. One hundred genotypes of the elephant grass Pennisetum purpureum from the Active Germplasm Bank at Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Minas Gerais, Brazil were evaluated. Following uniform cutting, six SPAD readings were taken from each accession every 60 days. Measurements were taken for two years. The experimental design was a 10 × 10 simple lattice with two replications. Joint deviance analysis for six SPAD measurements revealed great genetic variability between genotypes. SPAD values of Cameroon and Napier accessions were, on average, significantly different. The SPAD index was effective in detecting genetic variability between elephant grass acessions. However, it should not be used alone as a morphological descriptor, but in combination with other descriptors.(AU)

O clorofilômetro SPAD-502 (Soil Plant Analysis Development) é usado na medição indireta do conteúdo de clorofila, e é caracterizado pela rapidez e simplicidade, especialmente por ser uma medição não destrutiva do limbo foliar. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o índice SPAD como ferramenta para identificar acessos de diferentes grupos morfológicos de capim-elefante. Foram avaliados 100 genótipos do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de Capim-elefante da Embrapa Gado de Leite, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Após corte de uniformização, foram realizadas seis leituras por acesso, a cada 60 dias. As medidas foram realizadas durante dois anos. O delineamento experimental foi o látice simples (10 x 10) com duas repetições. Foi observado efeito de acessos pela análise conjunta de deviance das seis medidas do índice SPAD mostrando alta variabilidade genética entre os materiais. Os grupos Cameroon e Napier foram diferentes entre si para o índice SPAD, que se mostrou eficaz na detecção de variabilidade genética entre cultivares; contudo, deve ser usado juntamente com outros descritores e não exclusivamente como descritor morfológico.(AU)

Morpho-agronomic characterization and analysis of genetic divergence among accessions of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L) / Caracterização morfo-agronômica e análise da diversidade genética entre acessos de tomates (Solanum lycopersicum L)

The collection and characterization of tomato germplasm are of relevant importance for agriculture. This study aimed to collect and characterize, by way of morphological description and statistical tools for the composition of groups, tomato accesses from the Southern and Serrana regions of the State of Espírito Santo, as well as to establish the tomato germplasm bank of the Ifes - Campus de Alegre. Thirty-seven accessions were collected from different commercial locations of Espírito Santo. The experiment was conducted in the Ifes Campus de Alegre in the Agroecology sector. For the morpho-agronomic characterization, sixteen essential descriptors were used, nine quantitative and seven qualitative. In the color of the ripe fruit, there was the formation of five distinct groups with the colors yellow, green, orange, pink and red. In the format of the fruit, three groups were formed, slightly flattened, flattened and rounded. The ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference for all the quantitative characteristics evaluated. According to the Ward-MLM procedure, due to the high likelihood function in group seven (from 130.71), it was possible to group the 37 genotypes into seven groups. The greatest dissimilarity was observed in groups V and VII with a distance of 330.02, and the least dissimilar ones, groups IV and VI, with 8.21. Genetic variability was detected in tomato germplasm for the morpho-agronomic characteristics. Many of the accessions are promising sources of phenotypes of interest to the Ifes germplasm bank.(AU)

A coleta e caracterização do germoplasma de tomate são de relevante importância para a agricultura. O presente trabalho objetivou coletar e caracterizar, por intermédio de descritores morfoagronômicos e ferramentas estatísticas, os acessos de tomate das regiões Sul e Serrana do Estado do Espírito Santo, bem como constituir o banco de germoplasma de tomate do Ifes, Campus de Alegre. Foram coletados 37 acessos de tomate em diferentes pontos comerciais do Espírito Santo. O experimento foi conduzido no Setor de Olericultura do Ifes Campus de Alegre. Para a caracterização morfoagronômica, foram utilizados 16 descritores essenciais, 9 quantitativos e 7 qualitativos. Para a característica cor do fruto maduro, houve a formação de cinco distintos grupos com as cores amarelo, verde, laranja, rosa e vermelha. No formato do fruto, houve formação de três grupos, ligeiramente achatado, achatado e arredondados. A ANOVA mostrou que houve diferença significativa para todas as características quantitativas avaliadas. Pelo procedimento Ward-MLM, devido a elevada função de verossimilhança no grupo sete (de 130.71), foi possível agrupar os 37 genótipos em sete grupos. A maior dissimilaridade foi observada nos grupos V e VII com distância de 330.02, e os menos dissimilares, os grupos IV e VI, com 8.21. Detectou-se variabilidade genética no germoplasma de tomate para as características morfo-agronômicas. Muitos dos acessos são promissoras fontes de fenótipos de interesse para o banco de germoplasma do Ifes.(AU)

Genetic distance between rice cultivars in experiments conducted in the field and in the greenhouse / Distância genética entre cultivares de arroz irrigado em experimentos conduzidos a campo e em casa de vegetação

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic distance of irrigated rice based on different phenotypic characters and agronomic descriptors in field experiments and a greenhouse, with joint analysis of environments. In this study, 16 genotypes of rice were evaluated in the field and in greenhouse. In both experimental conditions were measured 24 characters, 16 considered quantitative and eight qualitative. From the phenotypic data were obtained three matrices of Mahalanobis distances (based on characters measured for field, greenhouse and joint analysis), which originated three dendrograms using the Unweighted Pair Group Method using Arithmetic averages (UPGMA). The correlation between genetic distance matrices was performed by the Mantel test. Thus, the estimates of genetic distance used were adequate in the grouping of genotypes, evidencing a narrow genetic distance between the irrigated rice cultivars evaluated. The genetic distance matrices between genotypes based on the qualitative characteristics measured for field, greenhouse and joint analysis of both environments showed a high correlation. There is environmental effect on characteristics of quantitative genetic inheritance.

Objetivou-se nesse estudo estimar a distância genética com base em distintos caracteres fenotípicos e descritores agronômicos, em experimentos a campo, em casa de vegetação e análise conjunta de ambientes em arroz irrigado. Neste estudo foram avaliados 16 genótipos de arroz irrigado em experimentos a campo e em casa de vegetação. Nas duas condições experimentais foram mensurados 24 caracteres, sendo, 16 considerados quantitativos e oito considerados qualitativos. A partir dos dados fenotípicos foram obtidas três matrizes de distâncias de Mahalanobis (baseadas nos caracteres mensurados a campo, casa de vegetação e análise conjunta), que posteriormente originaram três dendrogramas, utilizando o método de agrupamento das médias das distâncias (UPGMA Unweighted Pair Group Method using Arithmetic averages). A associação das matrizes de distância genética foi realizada pelo teste de Mantel. Assim, as estimativas da distância genética utilizadas, mostraram-se adequadas no agrupamento dos genótipos, evidenciando estreita distância genética entre as cultivares de arroz irrigado avaliadas. As matrizes de distância genética entre os genótipos com base nos caracteres qualitativos aferidos a campo, em casa de vegetação e a conjunta de ambos os ambientes, evidenciaram associação elevada entre si. Existe efeito do ambiente em caracteres de herança genética quantitativa.

Genetic distance between rice cultivars in experiments conducted in the field and in the greenhouse / Distância genética entre cultivares de arroz irrigado em experimentos conduzidos a campo e em casa de vegetação

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic distance of irrigated rice based on different phenotypic characters and agronomic descriptors in field experiments and a greenhouse, with joint analysis of environments. In this study, 16 genotypes of rice were evaluated in the field and in greenhouse. In both experimental conditions were measured 24 characters, 16 considered quantitative and eight qualitative. From the phenotypic data were obtained three matrices of Mahalanobis distances (based on characters measured for field, greenhouse and joint analysis), which originated three dendrograms using the Unweighted Pair Group Method using Arithmetic averages (UPGMA). The correlation between genetic distance matrices was performed by the Mantel test. Thus, the estimates of genetic distance used were adequate in the grouping of genotypes, evidencing a narrow genetic distance between the irrigated rice cultivars evaluated. The genetic distance matrices between genotypes based on the qualitative characteristics measured for field, greenhouse and joint analysis of both environments showed a high correlation. There is environmental effect on characteristics of quantitative genetic inheritance.(AU)

Objetivou-se nesse estudo estimar a distância genética com base em distintos caracteres fenotípicos e descritores agronômicos, em experimentos a campo, em casa de vegetação e análise conjunta de ambientes em arroz irrigado. Neste estudo foram avaliados 16 genótipos de arroz irrigado em experimentos a campo e em casa de vegetação. Nas duas condições experimentais foram mensurados 24 caracteres, sendo, 16 considerados quantitativos e oito considerados qualitativos. A partir dos dados fenotípicos foram obtidas três matrizes de distâncias de Mahalanobis (baseadas nos caracteres mensurados a campo, casa de vegetação e análise conjunta), que posteriormente originaram três dendrogramas, utilizando o método de agrupamento das médias das distâncias (UPGMA Unweighted Pair Group Method using Arithmetic averages). A associação das matrizes de distância genética foi realizada pelo teste de Mantel. Assim, as estimativas da distância genética utilizadas, mostraram-se adequadas no agrupamento dos genótipos, evidenciando estreita distância genética entre as cultivares de arroz irrigado avaliadas. As matrizes de distância genética entre os genótipos com base nos caracteres qualitativos aferidos a campo, em casa de vegetação e a conjunta de ambos os ambientes, evidenciaram associação elevada entre si. Existe efeito do ambiente em caracteres de herança genética quantitativa.(AU)

Instability of the expression of morphological and phenological descriptors to environmental variation in white oat / Instabilidade da expressão de descritores morfológicos e fenológicos à variação ambiental em aveia-branca

Morphological and phenological characters are used in the selection, breeding, and description of plant varieties with varying genotypes. The stability of these descriptors in the face of environmental changes can determine their usefulness in situations where plant varieties must be reliably identified. The objective of this study was to verify the expression of morphological and phenological descriptors and use them to distinguish between white oat cultivars (Avena sativa L.) in two growing periods. For this, five cultivars, protected and belonging to four breeders, referred to as G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5, were sown in the typical growing season in southern Brazil (autumn-winter) and outside that period (winter-spring), and grown for forty days. The experiment was established in the field, in a randomized block design replicated three times. The cultivars were evaluated for 42 descriptors (15 quantitative and 27 qualitative). Quantitative data were analyzed by analysis of variance, the comparison of averages, and multivariate analysis by generating average euclidean distances. Qualitative data were analyzed by mode determination, followed by obtaining the similarity index. The relationship between cultivars was illustrated by dendrograms. The stability index for each descriptor was calculated. A genotype x environment interaction was observed for 28 descriptors. The stability of descriptor appearance and persistence over the growing season was higher in qualitative (44%) than in quantitative (7%) descriptors. The most stable qualitative descriptors were lemma color, hairiness of the upper node, flag leaf position, hairiness of the base of the grain, basal grain length, and rachilla length. The most stable quantitative descriptor was flag leaf length. Shifting the white oat growing season from autumn-winter to winter-spring reduced the cycle and modified the expression of most descriptors by changing the phenotypic distinctness between cultivars.(AU)

Caracteres morfológicos e fenológicos são utilizados na seleção, cruzamentos e descrição de genótipos, sua instabilidade frente a alterações ambientais pode determinar o seu valor na etapa de proteção de cultivares. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de verificar a expressão de descritores morfológicos e fenológicos e, consequentemente, a dissimilaridade entre cultivares de aveia-branca (Avena sativa L.) em dois períodos de cultivo. Para isso, cinco cultivares, protegidas e oriundas de quatro obtentores e, aqui, codificadas (G1, G2, G3, G4 e G5), foram semeadas dentro do período recomendado para a cultura no sul do do Brasil (outono-hibernal) e fora desse período (hiberno-primaveril), com intervalo de quarenta dias. O experimento foi estabelecido em campo, em blocos casualizados, com três repetições. As cultivares foram avaliadas quanto a 42 descritores (15 quantitativos e 27 qualitativos). Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos à análise de variância, seguida da comparação de médias, e à análise multivariada, por meio da geração da distância euclidiana média. Os dados qualitativos foram submetidos à determinação da moda, seguida da obtenção do índice de similaridade. A relação entre as cultivares foi ilustrada por meio de dendrogramas. Foi calculado o índice de estabilidade dos descritores. A interação genótipo x ambiente foi observada em 28 descritores. A estabilidade de expressão, à alteração no período de cultivo, foi maior nos descritores qualitativos (44%), quando comparada aos quantitativos (7%). Os descritores qualitativos mais estáveis foram: cor do lema, pilosidade do nó superior, posição da folha-bandeira, pilosidade da base do grão, comprimento dos pelos basais do grão e comprimento da ráquila. O descritor quantitativo mais estável foi o comprimento da folha-bandeira. [...](AU)

Automation in accession classification of Brazilian Capsicum germplasm through artificial neural networks

Germplasm classification by species requires specific knowledge on/of the culture of interest. Therefore, efforts aimed at automation of this process are necessary for the efficient management of collections. Automation of germplasm classification through artificial neural networks may be a viable and less laborious strategy. The aims of this study were to verify the classification potential of Capsicum accessions regarding/ the species based on morphological descriptors and artificial neural networks, and to establish the most important descriptors and the best network architecture for this purpose. Five hundred and sixty-four plants from 47 Brazilian Capsicum accessions were evaluated. Neural networks of multilayer perceptron type were used in order to automate the species identification through 17 morphological descriptors. Six network architectures were evaluated, and the number of neurons in the hidden layer ranged from 1 to 6. The relative importance of morphological descriptors in the classification process was established by Garson's method. Corolla color, corolla spot color, calyx annular constriction, fruit shape at pedicel attachment, and fruit color at mature stage were the most important descriptors. The network architecture with 6 neurons in the hidden layer is the most appropriate in this study. The possibility of classifying Capsicum plants regarding/ the species through artificial neural networks with 100 % accuracy was verified.

Automation in accession classification of Brazilian Capsicum germplasm through artificial neural networks

Germplasm classification by species requires specific knowledge on/of the culture of interest. Therefore, efforts aimed at automation of this process are necessary for the efficient management of collections. Automation of germplasm classification through artificial neural networks may be a viable and less laborious strategy. The aims of this study were to verify the classification potential of Capsicum accessions regarding/ the species based on morphological descriptors and artificial neural networks, and to establish the most important descriptors and the best network architecture for this purpose. Five hundred and sixty-four plants from 47 Brazilian Capsicum accessions were evaluated. Neural networks of multilayer perceptron type were used in order to automate the species identification through 17 morphological descriptors. Six network architectures were evaluated, and the number of neurons in the hidden layer ranged from 1 to 6. The relative importance of morphological descriptors in the classification process was established by Garson's method. Corolla color, corolla spot color, calyx annular constriction, fruit shape at pedicel attachment, and fruit color at mature stage were the most important descriptors. The network architecture with 6 neurons in the hidden layer is the most appropriate in this study. The possibility of classifying Capsicum plants regarding/ the species through artificial neural networks with 100 % accuracy was verified.(AU)

Characters of Pennisetum spp. used for the initial selection in the genetic improvement program for elephant grass / Caracteres de Pennisetum spp. para seleção inicial no programa de melhoramento genético do capim-elefante

The present study was carried out at the Experimental Station of the Agronomical Institute of Pernambuco (IPA) in Itambé-PE to analyse different characters for the initial selection of Pennisetum spp. clones based on the coefficient of repeatability and the number of measurements required to predict their genotypic values (with a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.80). Considering the high number of genotypes in Phase I of the genetic improvement program and the requirement to reduce this number before progression to Phase II, it is relevant to identify characters with high genotypic values, which are easy to measure or acquire and that can be used in the initial selection. Therefore, we chose to evaluate the coefficient of repeatability and the number of measurements necessary to predict the genotypic values of 23 characters, either morphological or productive, of 472 Pennisetum spp. clones, in non-repeated plots. The coefficient of repeatability was estimated using the components of the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Dry matter concentration, leaf blade colour, midrib colour, leaf sheath colour, and internode colour were less affected by environmental conditions, and it was possible to predict their genotypic values (R2 = 0.80) with a maximum of four measurements, indicating that these characters are predictable and reliable for initial selection of Pennisetum spp.

O trabalho foi conduzido na Estação Experimental do Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco (IPA), em Itambé-PE, objetivando analisar diferentes caracteres na seleção inicial de clones de Pennisetum sp. com base no coeficiente de repetibilidade e no número de medidas necessário para predição de seu valor genotípico ( = 0,80). Diante do elevado número de genótipos na Fase I do programa de melhoramento e da necessidade de se reduzir quando se progride para a Fase II, é relevante a identificação de caracteres de alto valor genotípico e de fácil mensuração ou obtenção para seleção inicial. Assim, optou-se em avaliar o coeficiente de repetibilidade e no número de medidas necessário para predição do valor genotípico de 23 caracteres, entre morfológicos e produtivos, de 472 clones de Pennisetum spp. em parcelas não repetidas. A repetibilidade foi estimada por meio dos componentes da análise de variância. Teor de matéria seca, cor da lâmina foliar, cor da nervura foliar central, cor da bainha e cor do entrenó foram menos influenciados pelas condições ambientais, sendo possível predizer o valor genotípico ( =0,80) dos mesmos com no máximo quatro medidas. É possível predizer o valor genotípico dos caracteres teor de matéria seca, cor da lâmina foliar, cor da nervura foliar central, cor da bainha e cor do entrenó com apenas quatro avaliações, classificando-os como de alta facilidade de prediçã

Genetic divergence among accessions of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) sampled in the Tapajós region, State of Pará, using agronomic characters and microsatellite markers / Divergência genética entre acessos de mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) coletados na região do Tapajós, Estado do Pará, por meio de caracteres agronômicos e marcadores microssatélites

The aim of this work was to estimate the genetic divergence among accessions of cassava sampled in the Tapajós region in the State of Pará, Brazil, and conserved at the Regional Germplasm Bank of Eastern Amazon, using agronomic descriptors and molecular markers. Twenty-two accessions of cassava were evaluated in the field for two successive years, based on six agronomic descriptors in twelve-months-old plants without a specific experimental design. Accessions were also evaluated with eleven microsatellite loci in an automatic DNA analyser. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were applied. Based on principal components analysis, the character weight of the aerial portion of the plant contributed most to the phenotypical variation. The six traits were used in the analysis of genetic dissimilarity between accessions, and the correlation between matrices generated by morphological and molecular data was estimated. The matrices of genetic dissimilarity were used in the construction of dendrograms using the UPGMA method. We observed a high variation of agronomical descriptors and molecular markers evaluated, which were capable to separate the accessions into distinct groups. A weak positive correlation was detected among the two matrices of genetic distances, which indicates the possibility to explore the genetic diversity using crossings and accessions Amarelinha 36 36 and Olho roxo 13 are divergent and potentially promising for the generation of heterotic hybrids.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a divergência genética entre acessos de mandioca coletados na região do Tapajós no Estado do Pará e conservados no Banco Regional de Germoplasma da Amazônia Oriental por meio de descritores agronômicos e marcadores moleculares. Vinte e dois acessos de mandioca foram avaliados a campo por dois anos consecutivos com base em seis descritores agronômicos em plantas com doze meses de idade, sem o uso de delineamento experimental específico. Os acessos foram também avaliados com onze locos microssatélites em analisador de DNA automático. Foram realizadas as seguintes análises estatísticas: descritiva e multivariada. Com base na análise de componentes principais, o caráter peso da parte aérea da planta foi o que mais contribuiu para a variação fenotípica. Os seis caracteres foram utilizados nas análises de dissimilaridade genética e agrupamento, e foi estimada a correlação entre as matrizes geradas. As matrizes foram utilizadas para construção de dendrogramas pelo método UPGMA. Foi evidenciada ampla variação tanto dos descritores agronômicos quanto dos marcadores moleculares avaliados, os quais foram capazes de separar os acessos em grupos distintos. Foi encontrada fraca correlação entre as matrizes de distâncias genéticas, o que indicou a possibilidade de exploração da diversidade genética por meio de cruzamentos, sendo os acessos Amarelinha 36 e Olho roxo 13 divergentes e potencialmente promissores pare serem utilizados na geração de híbridos heterósticos.

Genetic divergence among accessions of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) sampled in the Tapajós region, State of Pará, using agronomic characters and microsatellite markers / Divergência genética entre acessos de mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) coletados na região do Tapajós, Estado do Pará, por meio de caracteres agronômicos e marcadores microssatélites

The aim of this work was to estimate the genetic divergence among accessions of cassava sampled in the Tapajós region in the State of Pará, Brazil, and conserved at the Regional Germplasm Bank of Eastern Amazon, using agronomic descriptors and molecular markers. Twenty-two accessions of cassava were evaluated in the field for two successive years, based on six agronomic descriptors in twelve-months-old plants without a specific experimental design. Accessions were also evaluated with eleven microsatellite loci in an automatic DNA analyser. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were applied. Based on principal components analysis, the character weight of the aerial portion of the plant contributed most to the phenotypical variation. The six traits were used in the analysis of genetic dissimilarity between accessions, and the correlation between matrices generated by morphological and molecular data was estimated. The matrices of genetic dissimilarity were used in the construction of dendrograms using the UPGMA method. We observed a high variation of agronomical descriptors and molecular markers evaluated, which were capable to separate the accessions into distinct groups. A weak positive correlation was detected among the two matrices of genetic distances, which indicates the possibility to explore the genetic diversity using crossings and accessions Amarelinha 36 36 and Olho roxo 13 are divergent and potentially promising for the generation of heterotic hybrids.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a divergência genética entre acessos de mandioca coletados na região do Tapajós no Estado do Pará e conservados no Banco Regional de Germoplasma da Amazônia Oriental por meio de descritores agronômicos e marcadores moleculares. Vinte e dois acessos de mandioca foram avaliados a campo por dois anos consecutivos com base em seis descritores agronômicos em plantas com doze meses de idade, sem o uso de delineamento experimental específico. Os acessos foram também avaliados com onze locos microssatélites em analisador de DNA automático. Foram realizadas as seguintes análises estatísticas: descritiva e multivariada. Com base na análise de componentes principais, o caráter peso da parte aérea da planta foi o que mais contribuiu para a variação fenotípica. Os seis caracteres foram utilizados nas análises de dissimilaridade genética e agrupamento, e foi estimada a correlação entre as matrizes geradas. As matrizes foram utilizadas para construção de dendrogramas pelo método UPGMA. Foi evidenciada ampla variação tanto dos descritores agronômicos quanto dos marcadores moleculares avaliados, os quais foram capazes de separar os acessos em grupos distintos. Foi encontrada fraca correlação entre as matrizes de distâncias genéticas, o que indicou a possibilidade de exploração da diversidade genética por meio de cruzamentos, sendo os acessos Amarelinha 36 e Olho roxo 13 divergentes e potencialmente promissores pare serem utilizados na geração de híbridos heterósticos.(AU)

Morphological characterization and analysis of genetic variability among pepper accessions / Caracterização morfológica e análise da variabilidade genética entre acessos de pimenta

The peppers of the genus Capsicum have economic potential and elevated genetic variability. The objective of the study was to characterize morpho-agronomically and estimate the genetic divergence among pepper accessions of the active germplasm bank of Capsicum of the Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo, Campus Alegre. Thirty accessions were characterized based on ten morphological descriptors being the experimental design completely randomized, with six repetitions. Genetic diversity among the accessions was estimated by the Tocher grouping method as a measurement of dissimilarity and formed eight groups. The Singh method, used to estimate the relative contribution of each character in the expression of genetic divergence, indicated that the diameter of the produce (20.19%) and the height of the plant (19.46%) were the ones to contribute most to the total divergence (39.65%) among the accessions of pepper being studied. The study evidenced the existence of high genetic variability among the accessions of C. annuum collected in the south region of the state of Espírito Santo. No correlation was detected between the genetic distance and location of collections.(AU)

As pimentas do gênero Capsicum possuem potencial econômico e elevada variabilidade genética. Objetivou-se realizar a caracterização morfoagronômica e estimar a divergência genética entre acessos de pimenta do banco ativo de germoplasma de Capsicum do Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo, Campus de Alegre. Foram caracterizados trinta acessos com base em dez descritores morfológicos, sendo o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com seis repetições. A divergência genética entre os acessos foi estimada pelo método de agrupamento de Tocher, como medida de dissimilaridade, formando-se oito grupos. O método de Singh, utilizado para estimar a contribuição relativa de cada caráter na expressão da divergência genética, indicou que o diâmetro do fruto (20,19%) e a altura da planta (19,46%) foram os que mais contribuíram para a divergência total (39,65%) entre os acessos de pimenta avaliados. O estudo realizado evidencia a existência de alta variabilidade genética entre os acessos de C. annuum coletados no Sul do Estado do Espírito Santo. Não foi detectada correlação entre a distância genética e os locais de coleta.(AU)

Traditional Eastern Spanish varieties of tomato

Despite the importance of traditional varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) as sources of variation in breeding programs and varieties targeted to high-price quality markets that value their exceptional organoleptic quality, little is known regarding the structure of these materials at the morphological level. In this study, a collection of 166 populations (137 of them during two years) of traditional varieties of tomato from the east coast of Spain has been characterized using 41 descriptors. The characterization revealed a considerable variation. The segregation observed in several populations (28 %) suggests that apart from the configuration as population varieties, the high variation present in these landraces may be partially due to possible seed mixing and spontaneous cross-pollination. Only nine fruit descriptors were required to represent the variation present in the collection analyzed. It seems that after spontaneous cross-pollinations, farmers applied strong selection to a small number of traits, though even in these traits a high level of variation is maintained. The variation observed may hinder clear recognition by the consumer, an attribute required for the consolidation of quality markets. Additionally, a registry of these materials as conservation varieties would be complicated considering the actual levels of variation. Therefore, a varietal depuration would be interesting in order to promotein situ conservation of these resources. Finally, the high levels of variation in the intra-varietal scale may justify the collection and maintenance of more populations of the same variety as the risk of conserving duplicates would not be so high.

Traditional Eastern Spanish varieties of tomato

Despite the importance of traditional varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) as sources of variation in breeding programs and varieties targeted to high-price quality markets that value their exceptional organoleptic quality, little is known regarding the structure of these materials at the morphological level. In this study, a collection of 166 populations (137 of them during two years) of traditional varieties of tomato from the east coast of Spain has been characterized using 41 descriptors. The characterization revealed a considerable variation. The segregation observed in several populations (28 %) suggests that apart from the configuration as population varieties, the high variation present in these landraces may be partially due to possible seed mixing and spontaneous cross-pollination. Only nine fruit descriptors were required to represent the variation present in the collection analyzed. It seems that after spontaneous cross-pollinations, farmers applied strong selection to a small number of traits, though even in these traits a high level of variation is maintained. The variation observed may hinder clear recognition by the consumer, an attribute required for the consolidation of quality markets. Additionally, a registry of these materials as conservation varieties would be complicated considering the actual levels of variation. Therefore, a varietal depuration would be interesting in order to promotein situ conservation of these resources. Finally, the high levels of variation in the intra-varietal scale may justify the collection and maintenance of more populations of the same variety as the risk of conserving duplicates would not be so high.(AU)