Divergência Genética em Anthurium affine Schott por Meio de Descritores Morfoagronômicos

Abstract

The introduction of new species to the ornamental market is fundamental to the conservation of genetic resources, while still supplying the need for innovation that the market is seeking. In addition, the study of genetic diversity is important both in the management, as in the use of conserved germplasm, directing also breeding programs. Based on the above, the objective of this study was: (i) to estimate the genetic divergence in Anthurium affine Schott; (ii) to characterize a half-sib progeny; (iii) to indicate the most relevant descriptors for the divergence of this progeny and (iv) to identify the most promising individuals for use as ornamental plants. Twenty-one half-sib individuals of A. affine were selected from the Flowers and Ornamental Plants Germplasm Active Bank of Embrapa. Evaluations were performed based on the descriptors: plant height (ALP), canopy width (LDO), growth habit (CFL), number of leaves (NFL), limb length (CLI), limb width (LLI), petiole length (CPE), petiole diameter (DPE) and limb undulation (OLI). Additionally, general appearance (BEL) and soil cover rate (RSO) were evaluated through scoring inference. The data were analyzed using the UPGMA grouping method for the evaluation of genetic divergence. The principal component analysis and correlation of the descriptors were used to select the most relevant descriptors. A scoring system was used to determine the most suitable individuals as ornamental plants based on ALP, occupation area of the plant (AOP), NFL, OLI and CFL. In the dendrogram, five groups were obtained, and group IV (06, 08, 09, 12 and 18) was highlighted as the group with the best performance in the characters observed. Among the analyzed descriptors, it was observed that the descriptors related to leaf and plant size are correlated as well as CPE with RSO and CFL. The CFL, BEL and RSO descriptors contributed the most in plant divergence, being important in evaluating progeny diversity. The individuals 06, 08, 13, 16 and 18 were the ones that presented the best performance in pre-selection by scoring points.