Showing papers in "Crop Breeding and Applied Biotechnology in 2017"
TL;DR: This new software allows the user to perform all the analyses without knowing the programming in R language, and supplies the user with all scripts internally used to process the analyses.
Abstract: Rbio is a free software for data processing. It is compatible and integrated with the free R software, which is globally accepted for statistical analysis. Thus, Rbio takes advantage of all processing potential of the R software. However, this new software allows the user to perform all the analyses without knowing the programming in R language. Rbio is available in Portuguese; it can be downloaded from the Internet (http://www.biometria.ufv.br), and requires the Windows operating system. It has a set of sample files, making it easy to be used. Currently, it supplies the user with all scripts internally used to process the analyses. Rbio can perform descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, estimation of genetic parameters and means tests, multivariate analysis, nonparametric tests, regressions, correlations, biometrics, bioinformatics, and simulation.
197 citations
TL;DR: Cultivar BRS Kurumi is characterized by short plant height, short internodes, high dry matter production, has a high nutritional value and is recommended for the cut-and-carry system or grazing, while Cultivars Capiaçu has tall upright growth and good forage quality.
Abstract: Cultivar BRS Kurumi is characterized by short plant height, short internodes, high dry matter production (29.25 t ha-1yr-1), has a high nutritional value and is recommended for the cut-and-carry system or grazing. Cultivar BRS Capiacu, indicated for silage and the cut-and-carry system, has tall upright growth, high dry matter production (49.75 t ha-1yr-1), good forage quality, is lodging-resistant and suitable for mechanical harvesting. Both cultivars are vegetatively propagated by stem cuttings.
35 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed variability and inheritance of oleic acid content (OAC) in sunflower, developed at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, by analyzing F1 and F2 progeny obtained by crossing a standard linoleic and high-oleic inbred line.
Abstract: High-oleic sunflower oil is in high demand on the market due to its heart-healthy properties and richness in monounsaturated fatty acids that makes it more stable in processing than standard sunflower oil. Consequently, one of sunflower breeder’s tasks is to develop stable high-oleic sunflower genotypes that will produce high quality oil. We analyzed variability and inheritance of oleic acid content (OAC) in sunflower, developed at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, by analyzing F1 and F2 progeny obtained by crossing a standard linoleic and high-oleic inbred line. F2 individuals were classified in two groups: low-oleic with OAC of 15.24-31.28% and high-oleic with OAC of 62.49-93.82%. Monogenic dominant inheritance was observed. Additionally, several molecular markers were tested for the use in marker-assisted selection in order to shorten the period of detecting high-oleic genotypes. Marker F4-R1 was proven to be the most efficient in detection of genotypes with Pervenets (high-oleic acid) mutation.
24 citations
TL;DR: A significant increase in protein and carbohydrate contents of harvested seeds was recorded and shows that the application of silver nanoparticles might revolutionize agriculture in the future.
Abstract: Understanding the effects of nanoparticles on edible crops is a matter of importance, since nanoparticles are often released and spread in the environment because of extensive research. This study aimed to examine the effect of silver nanoparticles on protein and carbohydrate contents of Pisum sativum L. seed. Spherical crystalline silver nanoparticles were synthesized from aqueous root bark extract of Berberis lycium Royle. Three pea varieties (Climax, Meteor and PF-400) were treated with four concentrations of silver nanoparticles (0, 30, 60, and 90 ppm) and three modes of application, in a randomized complete block design with three replications, in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 growing seasons. Seeds were harvested at the end of the growing seasons and analyzed for total proteins and carbohydrates. A significant increase in protein and carbohydrate contents of harvested seeds was recorded. This study shows that the application of silver nanoparticles might revolutionize agriculture in the future.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, marker-assisted selection was used to develop grapevine lines homozygous in loci Rpv1 and rpv3 for resistance against P. viticola.
Abstract: Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) is the main grapevine disease in humid regions. In the present investigation, marker-assisted selection (MAS) was used to develop grapevine lines homozygous in loci Rpv1 and Rpv3 for resistance against P. viticola. The experimental populations UFSC-2013-1 (n = 420) and UFSC-2013-2 (n = 237) were obtained by self-pollination of two 𝐅 𝟏 full-sib plants, originated from a cross between two distinct breeding lines containing the downy mildew resistance loci Rpv1 and Rpv3 in heterozygosity. The two experimental populations were genotyped with four microsatellite markers flanking the two downy mildew resistance loci. Among 637 genotyped plants, 300 (48.2%) were homozygous for at least one resistance locus and 10 (1.57%) were homozygous for both Rpv1 and Rpv3 alleles. These 10 plants challenged with P. viticola inoculum showed a clearly enhanced level of resistance. These plants have a great potential as resistance donors in grapevine breeding.
20 citations
TL;DR: ‘IPR 100’ is a medium size dwarf cultivar with high rusticity, with late ripening cycle, and with resistance to Meloidogyne paranaensis and to some M. incognita populations.
Abstract: ‘IPR 100’ was derived from a crossing between “Catuai” and a hybrid (“Catuai” x BA-10 coffee). ‘IPR 100’ is a medium size dwarf cultivar with high rusticity, with late ripening cycle, and with resistance to Meloidogyne paranaensis and to some M. incognita populations.
19 citations
TL;DR: The genes β-tubulin and T197 were ranked as the most stable among the sample sets evaluated with different tissue samples, while PvAct and Pv18S were the least stable.
Abstract: An RNA extraction method with high integrity and purity as well as the selection of adequate reference genes are prerequisites for gene expression analysis. For common bean seeds, there is no well-defined protocol that can be used in a laboratory routine for gene expression analysis. In this study, an extraction protocol for RNA from common bean seeds, which produced material with good integrity for qPCR (RIN ≥ 6.5), was optimized. In addition, 10 reference genes were evaluated under qPCR standard conditions using different tissue samples of common beans. Gene stabilities were analyzed using the delta-CT method, Bestkeeper, NormFinder and geNorm approaches. The genes β-tubulin and T197 were ranked as the most stable among the sample sets evaluated with different tissue samples, while PvAct and Pv18S were the least stable. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating RNA isolation methods and reference gene selection for seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris.
19 citations
TL;DR: IAC OL 5 is a new peanut cultivar recommended to growers of peanut regions of the state of São Paulo as another option for planting during the intervals of sugarcane renewal, because of its moderate resistance to virus and foliar diseases, and the high oleic trait.
Abstract: IAC OL 5 is a new peanut cultivar recommended to growers of peanut regions of the state of São Paulo as another option for planting during the intervals of sugarcane renewal. Its main traits are its runner growing habit, its moderate resistance to virus and foliar diseases, and the high oleic trait.
15 citations
TL;DR: A population structure correction for genome-wide selection based on covariance analysis via eigenvector (EVG) decomposition and out performed the other methods in the prediction of accuracy.
Abstract: We proposed a population structure correction for genome-wide selection based on covariance analysis via eigenvector (EVG) decomposition. The agreement between the predicted and true breeding values was evaluated by independent cross-validation data sets. Other correction methods such as correction via principal components, best linear unbiased prediction, and deregressed phenotype were also evaluated. Based on different simulation scenarios, the proposed EVG out performed the other methods in the prediction of accuracy.
14 citations
TL;DR: An efficient protocol for in vitro plant propagation of Cyrtopodium paludicolum has been developed using root tips dissected from well-developed seedlings, and it showed numerous dispersed and extended meristemoids, or division centers that originated new PBLs.
Abstract: An efficient protocol for in vitro plant propagation of Cyrtopodium paludicolum has been developed using root tips dissected from well-developed seedlings. Root tips were cultured on Knudson medium supplemented with α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and/or thidiazuron (TDZ). TDZ did not induce protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) in the NAA absence, indicating phytoregulators synergistic effect. Medium supplemented with 1.34 μM NAA and 2.27 μM TDZ resulted in better response on PBLs, and subsequent shoot differentiation (55.25 shoots per explant), and in better rooting number and root length responses, favoring acclimatization with 90% of survived plants. However, the medium supplemented with only NAA (1.34 μM) resulted in 33.50 shoots per explant. Histological sections confirmed that only one PLB was induced per responsive root tip, and it showed numerous dispersed and extended meristemoids, or division centers that originated new PBLs. Additionally, this protocol could be an excellent model to study molecular aspects of root to shoot conversion.Key words
14 citations
TL;DR: The clones V7, V10, V12, and V13 were the most stable and displayed the highest degree of adaptation for the studied traits, and thus these clones will be used to establish a base population suited to the growing conditions in Alto Suacui, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to describe the genetic parameters, adaptability, and stability of clones from the Coffea canephora variety ?Vitoria Incaper 8142?, and the genetic divergence between them. Following 12 and 24 months of plant growth, several traits were evaluated, including stem diameter, plant height, canopy diameter, number of plagiotropic branches, and number of nodes per plagiotropic branch. The agronomic performance of four crops was determined using measurements of productivity, yield, percentage of floating grains, and grade of the beans. Variability was observed between the clones for the majority of the traits measured. The clones V7, V10, V12, and V13 were the most stable and displayed the highest degree of adaptation for the studied traits, and thus these clones will be used to establish a base population suited to the growing conditions in Alto Suacui, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Additionally, the genetic dissimilarity identified between clones allowed suitable clone combinations to be proposed for use in future crosses.
TL;DR: In this paper, total flavonoid contents (TFC) were determined in seeds of 57 peanut accessions from the province of Hebei, China, and the results of correlation analysis indicated that TFC was significantly negatively correlated with pod number per plant (P/P) and soluble protein content (SPC).
Abstract: As important antioxidants and secondary metabolites in peanut seeds, flavonoids have great nutritive value. In this study, total flavonoid contents (TFC) were determined in seeds of 57 peanut accessions from the province of Hebei, China. A variation of 0.39 to 4.53 mg RT g-1 FW was found, and eight germplasm samples containing more than 3.5 mg RT g-1 FW. The TFC of seed embryos ranged from 0.14 to 0.77mg RT g-1 FW. With a view to breeding high-quality peanut varieties with high yields and high TFC, we analyzed the correlations between TFC and plant and pod characteristics. The results of correlation analysis indicated that TFC was significantly negatively correlated with pod number per plant (P/P) and soluble protein content (SPC). We used 251 pairs of expressed sequence tag - simple sequence repeat (EST-SSRs) primers to sequence all germplasm samples and found four EST-SSR markers that were significantly related to TFC.
TL;DR: The hybrid between Cattleya forbesii x Cattlya bowringiana shows flowers of lilac coloration, labellum with a light yellow center and striated with purple stripes of the same tone of other floral whorls.
Abstract: The hybrid between Cattleya forbesii x Cattleya bowringiana shows flowers of lilac coloration, labellum with a light yellow center and striated with purple stripes of the same tone of other floral whorls. The plant flourished four years after seeding and produced, on average, six flowers.
TL;DR: A shoot regeneration protocol for Tectona grandis is developed by examining the effects of pretreatments, regeneration culture medium, adventitious rooting, and acclimatization and can serve as a platform for genetic transformation to improve this important tree species.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop a shoot regeneration protocol for Tectona grandis by examining the effects of pretreatments, regeneration culture medium, adventitious rooting, and acclimatization. The best organogenic potential was achieved when hypocotyls and cotyledonary segments from seed - lings germinated on a medium containing TDZ, were cultured for four weeks on MS medium supplemented with BAP/GA 3 . With TDZ pretreatment during seed germination, up to 70% of the cotyledonary segments (0.5 TDZ pretreatment and 1.0 BAP + 0.5 GA 3 during regeneration, mg L -1 ) and 60% of the hypocotyl explants (0.1 TDZ pretreatment and 1.0 BAP + 0.5 GA 3 during regeneration, mg L -1 ) resulted in shoot regeneration. Finally, 65% of the regenerated shoots rooted, of which 60% were successfully acclimatized ex vitro. Our protocol increases regeneration efficiency for teak and it can serve as a platform for genetic transformation to improve this important tree species. Key words : Adventitious rooting, plant growth regulator, plant tissue culture, woody plant.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reported on hybridization of an obligate sexual, self-incompatible buffelgrass with pollen from apomictic plants towards development of an F2 population segregating for mode of reproduction and use of sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers for screening the population.
Abstract: Cenchrus ciliaris L. is an apomictic forage grass grown in pastures and rangelands of the semi-arid tropics. It reproduces predominantly through apomixis; rarely, obligate sexual plants have also been reported. Absence of sexual reproduction limits the possibility of genetic improvement through hybridization. This study reports on hybridization of an obligate sexual, self-incompatible buffelgrass with pollen from apomictic plants towards development of an F2 population segregating for mode of reproduction and use of sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers for screening the population. The segregation ratio of 3:1 (facultative: apomictic) was observed in the F1 generation, whereas it was 1:2:1 (apomictic: facultative: sexual) in the F2 generation. A number of obligate sexual F2 progenies with desirable agronomic traits were obtained. The SCAR markers were able to screen out apomictic plants from sexual ones, but failed to discriminate between facultative and sexual. Marker-assisted screening could be useful for introgression of desirable trait(s) in the apomictic genotype through hybridization.
TL;DR: The Image is a scanner developed as a grain classifier for quality control at the rice industry based on Brazilian official norms that reaches outputs that enhance rice breeding efficiency for grain quality, performing faster, precisely and with a high-throughput phenotyping than ever before.
Abstract: The Image is a scanner developed as a grain classifier for quality control at the rice industry based on Brazilian official norms. It orders the dehulled grains ensuring that each grain would pass individually, in free fall, while the grain is analysed from different sides, covering its whole surface. It ensures a precise three-dimensional measurement of grain size, chalkiness, defects of the grain, milling quality, given out a total of 39 traits/classes/defects/values, which are sent to a excel Microsoft spreadsheet. This is managed through a digital platform, which analysis routine and layout were developed and designed by Selgron and Epagri to fit the needs of research. The scanner and its software reach outputs that enhance rice breeding efficiency for grain quality, performing it faster, precisely and with a high-throughput phenotyping than ever before, especially interesting in very early breeding generations.
TL;DR: Cotton cultivar BRS 368RF was developed by EMBRAPA in a partnership with the Bahia Foundation, aiming to create high-yielding germplasm by adding transgenic traits addressed to Brazilian Savanna of the Northeast and North regions.
Abstract: Cotton cultivar BRS 368RF was developed by EMBRAPA in a partnership with the Bahia Foundation, aiming to create high-yielding germplasm by adding transgenic traits addressed to Brazilian Savanna (cerrado) of the Northeast and North regions. BRS 368RF is a midseason cultivar and has yield stability and transgenic tolerance to glyphosate.
TL;DR: In this experiment, intergeneric hybridization between jatropha and castor bean was performed and a few stigma-compatible pollen grains were found, indicating that the hybridization barrier was post-fertilization.
Abstract: A limitation in improvement of jatropha (Jatropha curcas) has been the low genetic variation among the available germplasm. An alternative to create genetic variability and incorporate desirable traits is through wide crossing. Due to reproductive barriers, wide crossing in jatropha has had limited success. In this experiment, intergeneric hybridization between jatropha and castor bean (Ricinus communis) was performed. In both direct and reciprocal crosses, a few stigma-compatible pollen grains were found. The pollen tube grew normally and reached the style base within an hour after pollination, but the embryo aborted a few days later. This indicated that the hybridization barrier was post-fertilization and thus the ovules were excised, cultured in MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L-1 IAA, and subcultured every four weeks. Finally we obtained one intergeneric hybrid plant, which was vegetatively propagated for further study.
TL;DR: The results showed that the presence of 100% N6 salts in the infection and cocultivation media favored genetic transformation of the L3 maize inbred line mediated by A. tumefaciens, and under a lower concentration of salts, GUS expres-sion was stronger; under this concentration, regeneration was less efficient.
Abstract: The efficiency of maize transformation mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens is influenced by various factors. The aim of this study was to test the effect of different concentrations of N6 salts (50% – half strength, and 100% - full strength) in the infection and cocultivation media on genetic trans-formation efficiency of the L3 tropical elite maize line. Immature embryos were transformed via A. tumefaciens harboring the binary vector pTF102 containing the genes uidA and BAR under control of the CaMV35S promoter. The efficiency of the transgenic events produced was 3% for full strength and 1.1% for half strength N6 salts. Although under a lower concentration of salts, GUS expres-sion was stronger; under this concentration, regeneration was less efficient. Thus, the results showed that the presence of 100% N6 salts in the infection and cocultivation media favored genetic transformation of the L3 maize inbred line mediated by A. tumefaciens. Key words : Immature embryos, salt concentration, somatic embryogenesis, Zea mays.
TL;DR: Modeling with ANN and LDA can be used successfully for selection among sugarcane families, but the reduced model may be preferable, for having a low AER, high TPR and being easier to obtain in operational terms.
Abstract: One of the major challenges in sugarcane breeding programs is an efficient selection of genotypes in the initial phase. The purpose of this study was to compare modelling by artificial neural networks (ANN) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) as alternatives for the selection of promising sugarcane families based on the indirect traits number of sugarcane stalks (NS), stalk diameter (SD) and stalk height (SH). The analysis focused on two models, a full one with all predictors, and a reduced one, from which the variable SH was excluded. To compare and assess the applied methods, the apparent error rate (AER) and true positive rate (TPR) were used, derived from the confusion matrix. Modeling with ANN and LDA can be used successfully for selection among sugarcane families. The reduced model may be preferable, for having a low AER, high TPR and being easier to obtain in operational terms.
TL;DR: The use of sodium silicate in culture medium improves the quality of plantlets with an increased absorption of nutrients in the plant Anthurium.
Abstract: The objective was to evaluate morphological and physiological differences in anthurium plants in vitro, with the use of silicon added to the culture medium. Nodal segments were inoculated in Pierik with different sodium silicate concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg L-1). After 100 days in a growth room, phytotechnical characteristics were evaluated, physiological concentrations of silicon, photosynthetic pigments and microanalysis X-ray. A higher yield of chlorophyll a and b, was observed in plants supplemented with 2.0 mg L-1 of sodium silicate. Anthurium plants showed better growth development with an increase in the number of leaves, dry weight and length of the aereal part in plants supplemented with 0.5 and 2.0 mg L-1 sodium silicate. It was also observed an increase in the number of roots of plants supplemented with 1.0 mg L-1 of sodium silicate. The use of sodium silicate in culture medium improves the quality of plantlets with an increased absorption of nutrients in the plant Anthurium.
TL;DR: Among the three tested environments, Limoeiro de Anadia was the best since it presented high yield, phenotypically stable genotypes for cassava breeding programs, and the varieties Cria Menino and Preta do Araripe were considered ideal genotypes due to high adaptability and yield stability.
Abstract: Adaptability is the yield response of cassava genotypes to environmental improvement, and stability is the predictability of this response to variations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield stability and adaptability of cassava varieties and clones using the AMMI (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction) methodology and auxiliary tools as supplementary genotype and environment. The responses of 24 cassava genotypes were evaluated in three environments located in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, in randomized blocks design, with 24 treatments and three replications. The effects of genotype and genotype x environment interactions significantly influenced yield. Genotypes differed regarding the adaptability and stability of yield response, and the varieties Cria Menino and Preta do Araripe were considered ideal genotypes due to high adaptability and yield stability. Among the three tested environments, Limoeiro de Anadia was the best since it presented high yield, phenotypically stable genotypes for cassava breeding programs.
TL;DR: The absence of association between grain yield and percentage of cooked grains or grain type indicated that it is possible to select high yielding lines with excellent grain aspect and good cooking properties using a selection index.
Abstract: The methodology available for evaluating the cooking quality of dry beans is impractical for assessing a large number of progenies. The aims of this study were to propose a new strategy for evaluating cooking quality of grains and to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters using a selection index. A total of 256 progenies of the 13thcycle of a recurrent selection program were evaluated at three locations for yield, grain type, and cooked grains. Samples of grains from each progeny were placing in a cooker and the percentage of cooked grains was assessed. The new strategy for evaluating cooking quality was efficient because it allowed a nine-fold increase in the number of progenies evaluated per unit time in comparison to available methods. The absence of association between grain yield and percentage of cooked grains or grain type indicated that it is possible to select high yielding lines with excellent grain aspect and good cooking properties using a selection index.
TL;DR: It is possible to optimize the selection by combining properly the variables using their genetic control, precision and the relationships between them, and the best options came from using only two no redundant traits DBH and BD.
Abstract: The present study aimed to evaluate the selection indices efficiency for Pilodyn penetration combined with growth traits in Eucalyptus clones. It was carried out experiments in a randomized block design, with single tree plots and 30 replications. Diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (TH), and Pilodyn penetration as an indicator of basic density (BD) were measured. The volume was estimated. Based on predicted genotypic values, three indices presented the highest accuracies: I 8 (based on partial correlation), I 7 (based on the concept of multivariate BLUP) and I 3 (based on two variables as ratio, which uses a third heritability estimate associated to the ratio DBH/BD, besides the two heritabilities of DBH and BD). Thus, it is possible to optimize the selection by combining properly the variables using their genetic control, precision and the relationships between them. The best options came from using only two no redundant traits DBH and BD. Key words : Selection criteria, accuracy, wood quality, partial correlation, path analysis.
TL;DR: BRS FC402 is a common bean cultivar of the carioca-grain group with commercial grain quality, suitable for cultivation in 21 Brazilian states, and resistance to fusarium wilt and anthracnose.
Abstract: - BRS FC402 is a common bean cultivar of the carioca-grain group with commercial grain quality, suitable for cultivation in 21 Brazilian states. Cultivar has a normal cycle (85-94 days), high yield potential (4479 kg ha-1), 10.1% higher mean yield than the controls (2462 kg ha-1) and resistance to fusarium wilt and anthracnose.
TL;DR: The estimate of the diversity index showed that the level of genetic diversity in the soybean collection is low, and the Jaccard coefficient and Bayesian model based on clustering analysis confirmed the low diversity among soybean genotypes, providing evidence for the assumption of a genetic bottleneck effect on Brazilian soy bean genotypes.
Abstract: Genetic diversity is an essential factor for the success of any plant breeding program and should be considered to ensure genetic gain through breeding. In Brazil, research on the genetic diversity and population structure of soybean is required since the species is an important commodity of the country. The study addressed the genetic diversity and population structure of 77 soybean genotypes using 35 SSR markers. The estimate of the diversity index showed that the level of genetic diversity in the soybean collection is low. Similarly, the Jaccard coefficient and Bayesian model based on clustering analysis confirmed the low diversity among soybean genotypes, providing evidence for the assumption of a genetic bottleneck effect on Brazilian soybean genotypes. The results also reinforced the importance of finding and incorporating new genetic resources of soybean in the genetic pool of Brazilian soybean to warrant genetic gain in soybean breeding in the future.
TL;DR: MS INTA 416 is a hard red winter wheat selected for high yield potential and good bread-making quality, combined with moderate resistance to Fusarium-head-blight and high resistance to leaf-rust, due mainly to presence of resistance genes Fhb1 and Lr47.
Abstract: MS INTA 416 is a hard red winter wheat selected for high yield potential and good bread-making quality, combined with moderate resistance to Fusarium-head-blight and high resistance to leaf-rust, due mainly to presence of resistance genes Fhb1 and Lr47. MS INTA 416 is adapted to main production areas of Central-Argentina.
TL;DR: In this article, a coffee cultivar derivative from a cross between Catuai and Icatu is described. But it is resistant to bacterial halo blight and partial resistant to coffee leaf rust.
Abstract: ‘IPR 102’ is a coffee cultivar derivative from a cross between “Catuai” and “Icatu”. ‘IPR 102’ is a dwarf cultivar (medium size) with high rusticity, late ripening cycle, and it is resistant to bacterial halo blight and partial resistant to coffee leaf rust.
TL;DR: The significant correlations between the variables allowed the use of indirect selection as an auxiliary tool in the process of domestication and breeding of this species and can be promoted by the hybridization of the most divergent accessions.
Abstract: Fifty-eight cambuci fruit accessions were collected and propagated by seeds. Forty fruits of each accession were collected and evaluated for longitudinal and transverse diameter, fruit weight, number of seeds, seeds weight, total soluble solids, % citric acid, ratio, pH, firmness, vitamin C, and color. The phenotypic correlation between the characters and the relative contribution of the characters for the divergence among accessions were estimated and quantified by the Euclidean genetic distance, and cluster analysis was carried out according to the Neighbour Joining Tree. The significant correlations between the variables allowed the use of indirect selection as an auxiliary tool in the process of domestication and breeding of this species. Weight of 1000 seeds presented the greatest variation and contributed the most with genetic diversity. The expansion of the variability and the association of characters of interest can be promoted by the hybridization of the most divergent accessions, 14 and 43.
TL;DR: The selection rate is an effective indicator for evaluation of the combining ability of parents in the first selection stage of a sugarcane breeding program.
Abstract: This study evaluated the genetic potential of parents used in sugarcane genetic breeding programs based on the performance of previously conducted single crosses. The average selection rate of each family, predicted using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) procedure, was used as a surrogate to the cross performance in the initial evaluation phase. Data analysis was performed using Griffing’s method IV adapted for the available set of crosses to detail the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects. Significant GCA effects were detected, which demonstrated the possibility of selecting parents based on this parameter. SCA had a higher coefficient of determination than GCA. In conclusion, the selection rate is an effective indicator for evaluation of the combining ability of parents in the first selection stage of a sugarcane breeding program.