ABSTRACT Grape and cherry mini tomatoes have been conquering Brazilian consumers due to their sweet taste, practicality of consumption, and versatility in culinary use. Therefore, the present work aimed to characterize ten grape tomato hybrids based on genetic diversity and physical and biochemical traits to provide information for the development of new genotypes focused on the appearance and enrichment of nutritional factors. The evaluated hybrids were Aiko, BRSIG, BRS Zamir, Carolina, Dolcetto, Dulce, Guaraci, Santa West, SCI-023 and Sweet Heaven. The experiment was conducted in 2019 in a greenhouse at the State University of Londrina, using a completely randomized design with four replications and six plants in each replication. The plants were grown following the practices recommended for cultivating tomatoes. The physical and biochemical characterization data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test (p<0.05) and Scott & Knott means cluster test (p<0.05), and the molecular characterization data were subjected to analysis of principal coordinates (PCoA) and Bayesian clustering. Aiko presented the highest fruit mass and size as opposed to that observed on SCI-023, while BRSIG was the firmest fruit with the largest pericarp thickness. SCI-023, Dolcetto, and Sweet Heaven had higher sugar content. The soluble solids content ranged from 6.04 to 9.66 °Brix among the genotypes. Hybrids SCI-023, BRSIG, Sweet Heaven, BRS Zamir, and Dulce had the highest antioxidant activity levels. In the phenotypic characterization two groups were formed. The genotypic characterization showed seven groups in which high genetic similarity was verified among BRS Zamir, SCI-023, and Guaraci, as well as between Carolina and Dulce. The greatest dissimilarity was observed between Sweet Heaven and BRSIG. Both characterizations were useful to evaluate the aptitude of these genotypes as outstanding genitors for breeding programs for the Brazilian market.

RESUMO Os minitomates tipo grape e cereja vêm conquistando o consumidor brasileiro pelo sabor adocicado, praticidade de consumo e versatilidade no uso culinário. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar dez híbridos de tomate grape com base na diversidade genética e em descritores físicos e bioquímicos, afim de fornecer subsídios para o desenvolvimento de novas cultivares com foco no surgimento e enriquecimento de fatores nutricionais. Os híbridos avaliados foram Aiko, BRSIG, BRS Zamir, Carolina, Dolcetto, Dulce, Guaraci, Santa West, SCI-023 e Sweet Heaven. O experimento foi conduzido em 2019 na área experimental da Universidade Estadual de Londrina, utilizando o delineamento experimental em blocos completos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e seis plantas por repetição. As plantas foram cultivadas seguindo as práticas recomendadas para o cultivo do tomate. Os dados da caracterização física e bioquímica foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F (p<0,05) e teste de agrupamento de médias de Scott & Knott (p<0,05); os dados da caracterização molecular foram submetidos à análise de coordenadas principais (PCoA) e agrupamento Bayesiano. O genótipo Aiko apresentou a maior massa e tamanho de fruto em relação ao observado para SCI-023, enquanto BRSIG apresentou o fruto mais firme e a maior espessura de pericarpo. SCI-023, Dolcetto e Sweet Heaven apresentaram maiores teores de açúcares totais. O teor de sólidos solúveis totais variou de 6,04 a 9,66 °Brix entre os genótipos. Os híbridos SCI-023, BRSIG, Sweet Heaven, BRS Zamir e Dulce apresentaram os maiores níveis de atividade antioxidante. Foram formados dois grupos na caracterização fenotípica. A caracterização genotípica mostrou sete grupos nos quais foi verificada alta similaridade genética entre BRS Zamir, SCI-023 e Guaraci, assim como Carolina e Dulce, enquanto a maior dissimilaridade foi observada entre Sweet Heaven e BRSIG. Ambas as caracterizações foram úteis para avaliar a aptidão desses genótipos como notáveis genitores para programas de melhoramento visando o desenvolvimento de novas cultivares para o mercado brasileiro.

RESUMO A cebola para produzir bulbos ou sementes depende da interação do genótipo com o ambiente. Assim, programas de melhoramento genético devem realizar a seleção com base nas condições climáticas de cada região produtora. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar 17 híbridos experimentais de cebola e dois genótipos comercias (‘Bella Dura’ e ‘Buccaneer’) com base em atributos agronômicos, físico-químicos dos bulbos e de resistência ao florescimento precoce em condições subtropicais. Foi realizada análise de variância conjunta e a divergência fenotípica estimada por meio de análise de componentes principais (PCA) e agrupamento hierárquico de Ward. Observou-se que a época de transplante afetou mais as características agronômicas do que as características físico-químicas, não afetando a porcentagem de florescimento precoce dos genótipos. O transplantio de primeira época propiciou maiores produtividades de bulbos, enquanto, o transplante na segunda época, reduziu o ciclo e a produtividade. Os híbridos H1, H17 e ‘Buccaneer’ tiveram taxa de florescimento inferior a 3%. Entre os híbridos experimentais, H2 apresentou produtividade superior às cultivares comercias e, H1, H12 e H14 foram equivalentes a estas. No entanto, o H12 apresentou maior índice de florescimento precoce (43%). Assim, dentre os genótipos experimentais avaliados sob condições subtropicais, H1, H2, e H14, demonstraram potencial de uso comercial ou mesmo como potenciais genitores no avanço do programa de melhoramento, pois se destacaram por apresentar bom rendimento produtivo, qualidade de bulbo e baixo percentual de florescimento precoce.

ABSTRACT In order to produce bulbs or seeds, onion plants depend on genotype X environment interaction. Thus, breeders shall select the genotypes based on the climatic conditions of each producing region. This study aimed to evaluate 17 experimental onion hybrids and two commercial genotypes (‘Bella Dura’ and ‘Buccaneer’), based on agronomic, physicochemical attributes of the bulbs and resistance to early flowering under subtropical conditions. Joint analysis of variance and phenotypic divergence estimated through principal component analysis (PCA) and Ward’s hierarchical clustering were performed. We observed that the time of transplantation affected the agronomic traits more than the physicochemical traits, not affecting the percentage of early flowering of the genotypes. The first transplant season provided higher bulb productivity, whereas the second season reduced the cycle and productivity. Hybrids H1, H17 and ‘Buccaneer’ showed flowering rate lower than 3%. Among the experimental hybrids, H2 showed higher productivity when comparing with commercial cultivars, and H1, H12 and H14 were equivalent to them. However, H12 showed the highest early flowering rate (43%). Thus, considering the experimental genotypes evaluated under subtropical conditions, H1, H2, and H14, showed potential for commercial use or as potential parents in advancing the breeding program, as they stood out for presenting good yield, bulb quality and low percentage of early flowering.

RESUMO O milho pipoca é uma importante cultura agrícola, consumida como petisco pela população mundial. No Brasil, a falta de cultivares com alto potencial de rendimento de grãos e elevado volume de expansão é considerada uma das principais dificuldades. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a divergência genética entre linhagens elite de milho pipoca por meio de marcadores AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism), estimar a capacidade geral e específica de combinação (GCA e SCA, respectivamente) e correlacionar a distância genética com a SCA e a média dos híbridos. Para o estudo de divergência genética, foram avaliadas 45 linhagens de milho pipoca provenientes de diferentes híbridos e variedades. Posteriormente, dez linhagens foram selecionadas para análise dialélica; o rendimento de grãos (GY) e a capacidade de expansão (PE) foram avaliados em três ambientes. Com base nos marcadores AFLP, foi observada uma ampla variabilidade entre as linhagens avaliadas. Na avaliação dos híbridos, foi observado efeito significativo para GY e PE, sendo que alguns híbridos apresentaram alto potencial de GY e PE quando comparados às testemunhas comerciais. Por meio da análise dialélica, foi observado efeito significativo da GCA para GY e PE, indicando que as linhagens diferem na frequência de alelos favoráveis, com linhagens promissoras para a formação de híbridos ou variedades sintéticas. Por outro lado, para SCA, nenhum efeito significativo foi observado para essas características. A distância genética não se correlacionou com GY e Ŝij, demonstrando ausência de consistência na predição de grupos heteróticos para milho pipoca via marcadores AFLP.

ABSTRACT Popcorn is an important agricultural crop that is consumed as a snack food worldwide. In Brazil, the lack of cultivars with high potential grain yield and popping expansion volume is a vital problem. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the genetic divergence among elite popcorn lines using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers to estimate the general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA, respectively), and correlate the genetic distance with the SCA and hybrid means. For the genetic divergence study, 45 popcorn inbred lines of different hybrids and varieties were evaluated. Subsequently, 10 inbred lines were selected for diallel analysis; grain yield (GY) and popping expansion (PE) were evaluated in three environments. A wide variability of popcorn inbred lines was observed based on the AFLP markers. After evaluating the hybrids, a significant effect was observed for GY and PE, with some experimental hybrids with higher potential GY and PE than the commercial cultivars. From the diallel analysis, a significant effect was observed for GCA for GY and PE; therefore, the lines differed in the frequency of favorable alleles, with promising inbred lines for forming hybrids or synthetic varieties. However, for SCA, no significant effect was observed for these traits. Genetic distance did not correlate with GY and Ŝij, demonstrating an absence of consistency in the prediction of heterotic groups for popcorn using AFLP markers.

ABSTRACT The development of new popcorn cultivars that include wide adaptation, high stability and superior performance characteristics is one of the main alternatives to mitigate the effects of the genotype × environment interaction. In this sense, our main goal was to evaluate the adaptability and stability of new popcorn hybrids using Bayesian additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (BAMMI) method for grain yield (GY) and popping expansion capacity (PE) traits. We evaluated GY and PE from 45 new popcorn hybrids and three commercial cultivars (IAC–125, Pop Top and Top Ten) as checks in six different environments. Genotype × environment interaction, correlation and stability analyses were performed using Bayesian approaches. The full models tested presented the lowest deviance information criterion (DIC) values when compared to null models, indicating the presence of the genotype × environment interaction for both evaluated agronomic traits. Negative correlations were observed between GY and PE (r = –0.24, 95% highest posterior density [HPD] = –0.31; –0.17) and confirm the difficulty to perform selection simultaneously for both characteristics. UEM–3 and UEM–7 hybrids showed wide stability and high a posteriori averages for GY and PE. Both cultivars can be registered and recommended for cultivation in popcorn producing regions.

ABSTRACT Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties bearing a wide diversity of colors and shapes that may be used by breeders aiming to improve physical and biochemical fruit traits. Hence, in this work heirloom tomato accessions were characterized, gathering information to genetic breeding programs focusing on human food. For that, 67 heirloom tomato accessions were evaluated for fruit size, fruit mass, fruit volume, color, vitamin C, titratable acidity, soluble solids content, phenolic compounds content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three repetitions. Linear mixed model, Pearson’s correlation and hierarchical clustering were applied to data. Five groups were formed by Ward’s clustering method. The accession UEL 300 constituted group A, which had the greatest mass and volume fruit. Eight accessions formed group B and showed mostly yellow fruits. Group C was comprised of 13 accessions, which had the highest levels of carotenoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity. Thirty-three accessions that constituted group D did not stand out for any of the attributes, while 12 accessions into group E had the highest content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, along with the highest ratio of soluble solids and acidity. Five accessions in this collection (UEL 296, UEL 146, UEL 238, UEL 231, and UEL 217) stood out for their biochemical traits. The wide diversity for physical and biochemical fruit traits can be explored in tomato breeding programs, seeking to develop new cultivars, and strengthening family farming.

Abstract Banana ‘Prata’ has a significant demand in the Brazilian market, and Minas Gerais is one of the largest banana producers in the country. Scientific studies that evaluate the bananas quality produced in different cultivation regions are still incipient. Thus, this study evaluated the physical, biochemical and sensory attributes of banana ‘Prata’ from south and north of Minas Gerais and Vale do Ribeira (SP). Bananas from south were also cultivated in different production systems, organic and conventional. Data were submitted to multivariate analysis that provided the discrimination of the samples according to the cultivation regions. Bananas from southern presented higher levels of soluble solids and acidity, better taste, higher diameter and overall acceptance, where in the organic bananas were the most preferred by consumers. Fruit from northern stood out in appearance, texture, aroma and color, in addition to greater length. Fruit from Vale do Ribeira had higher levels of total phenolics and antioxidant activity. With these results we can assume that fruit quality is highly related to the specific climatic conditions from each producing region. Bananas from the south of Minas Gerais showed superiority for most of the evaluated traits, reflecting on consumer preference.

RESUMO A produção de cogumelos vem crescendo no Brasil, devido à versatilidade culinária desse alimento e alto valor nutricional. Ainda são escassos estudos que associam os aspectos de sua qualidade com o perfil e preferência dos seus consumidores. Assim, nesse trabalho foi comparada a firmeza e composição bioquímica de Shimeji e Shitake, e verificado o perfil e a preferência dos consumidores para compra. Os cogumelos foram caraterizados pela firmeza, teores de proteínas, lipídios, compostos fenólicos totais, flavonoides totais e atividade antioxidade, além da realização de pesquisa de opinião com 308 consumidores de cogumelos. Os dois cogumelos contêm alto teor de proteínas e baixo de lipídios, além de concentrações expressivas de compostos bioativos e de atividade antioxidante, desejáveis aos consumidores exigentes em alimentos funcionais. O Shitake é aproximadamente 4 vezes mais firme quer o Shimeji e os maiores teores para todos os atributos bioquímicos analisados não diferiram entre os dois cogumelos, exceto para o teor de proteínas. A pesquisa de opinião indicou que mulheres jovens e adultas consomem mais cogumelos que os homens. A maioria deles adquire os cogumelos em supermercados, e são pessoas com escolaridade, majoritariamente, de nível superior. Não foi constatada significativa maior preferência dos consumidores por um dos dois cogumelos analisados, mas a maioria dos participantes relataram que na compra priorizam cogumelos com aroma e sabor característicos, textura macia e suculenta, e que permita rapidez no preparo de refeições.

ABSTRACT Mushroom production has been growing in Brazil due to the culinary versatility of this food and its high nutritional value. However, few studies associating the aspects of its quality with the profile and preference of its consumers can be found in literature. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the firmness and biochemical composition of Shimeji and Shitake, as well as, the consumers’ profile and preference for purchasing these mushrooms. The mushrooms were characterized by firmness, protein and lipid content, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidation activity. In addition we carried out a survey on opinion of 308 mushroom consumers. The two mushrooms contain high protein content and low lipid content, and also expressive concentrations of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, suitable for these demanding functional food consumers. Shitake is approximately 4 times firmer than Shimeji and the highest levels for all analyzed biochemical attributes did not differ between the two studied mushrooms, except for protein content. The opinion survey indicated that young and adult women consume more mushrooms than men. Most of them buy mushrooms in supermarkets, and they are mostly higher educated people. No significant higher consumer preference for one of the two mushrooms analyzed was verified; however, most participants reported that they prioritize mushrooms which have characteristic aroma and flavor, smooth and juicy texture, being a convenient ingredient for a quick-cooking meal.

RESUMO Brócolis (Brassica oleracea var. italica) é umas das principais hortaliças do mundo e apresenta importantes propriedades funcionais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar 19 genótipos de brócolis por meio de caracteres bioquímicos (teor de compostos fenólicos totais, flavonoides totais e atividade antioxidante) e marcadores moleculares do tipo AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism). O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação usando delineamento em blocos completos ao acaso com três repetições. Os dados fenotípicos foram submetidos à análise de variância (p≤0,05), agrupamento de média de Scott-Knott (p≤0,05) e análise de componentes principais (PCA). A partir dos dados moleculares, foram realizados os agrupamentos hierárquicos de Ward, agrupamento Bayesiano e análise de coordenadas principais (PCoA). Os dados moleculares indicaram diversidade genética entre os genótipos (três grupos), além de ampla variabilidade para o teor de compostos fenólicos totais, flavonoides totais e atividade antioxidante pelo método FRAP. Os genótipos HT3010, Hanabi e Bonanza apresentam características bioquímicas desejáveis aos consumidores exigentes em alimentos funcionais, além de serem genótipos promissores para serem explorados em programas de melhoramento da cultura.

ABSTRACT Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is one of the most important vegetables in the world and also shows important functional properties. The present study aimed to characterize 19 broccoli genotypes using biochemical traits (content of total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity) and AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) molecular markers. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a complete randomized block design with three replicates. The phenotypic data were subjected to analysis of variance (p≤0.05), Scott-Knott average clustering method (p≤0.05) and principal component analysis (PCA). Using molecular data, Ward’s hierarchical clustering, Bayesian clustering and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) were performed. Molecular data showed genetic diversity among the genotypes (three groups), also a wide variability in the total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids content and antioxidant activity using FRAP method. HT3010, Hanabi and Bonanza genotypes showed desirable biochemical traits for the demanding functional food consumers, in addition to being promising genotypes to be exploited in plant breeding programs.

RESUMO O quiabo é vegetal consumido em vários países e é importante fonte de nutrientes para a alimentação humana. Para promover a produção e o consumo de quiabo, é essencial o desenvolvimento de novos genótipos com altos níveis nutricionais, além de características agronômicas desejáveis. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar nove genótipos de quiabo por características agronômicas e bioquímicas. Os acessos UEL2, UEL3, UEL5, UEL6, UEL7, UEL9, UEL10, UEL13 e UEL15 foram cultivados em condições de campo e avaliados em relação à produtividade, peso do fruto, diâmetro do fruto, número de frutos por planta e altura da planta. As análises bioquímicas incluíram composição mineral, teor de proteína bruta, teor de vitamina C, teor total de flavonoides e fenólicos e atividade antioxidante. O genótipo UEL7 destacou-se pelos altos níveis de características bioquímicas, como conteúdo de alguns minerais, vitamina C e atividade antioxidante. Por outro lado, o UEL3 apresentou baixo desempenho para características bioquímicas, mas destacou-se por características agronômicas, como produtividade e número de frutos por planta. Portanto, as raças UEL7 e UEL3 podem ser introduzidas em programas de melhoramento focados na alimentação humana e no desempenho agronômico, além de contribuir para a conservação de germoplasma de quiabo.

ABSTRACT Okra is consumed in several countries and is an important source of nutrients for human food. To promote okra production and consumption is essential the development of new cultivars with high nutritional levels, besides desirable agronomic traits. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate nine okra landraces by agronomic and biochemical traits. The accessions UEL2, UEL3, UEL5, UEL6, UEL7, UEL9, UEL10, UEL13 and UEL15 were grown in open field condition and evaluated in relation to fruit yield, fruit weight, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant and plant height. The biochemical analysis included mineral composition, crude protein content, vitamin C content, total flavonoid and phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The UEL7 accession stood out for the high levels for biochemical traits such as content of some minerals, vitamin C and antioxidant activity. On the other hand, UEL3 accession had a low performance for biochemical traits, but stood out for agronomic traits such as fruit yield and number of fruits per plant. Hence, the UEL7 and UEL3 landraces may be introduced in breeding programs focused on human food and agronomic performance, beyond to contribute for okra germplasm conservation.

Resumo O mirtilo é uma espécie de difícil enraizamento; sendo assim, alternativas que maximizem o potencial rizogênico de suas estacas são fundamentais para a expansão da cultura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da lesão basal e diferentes métodos de aplicação de ácido indolbutírico (AIB) no enraizamento de estacas herbáceas de mirtilo ‘Woodard’, coletadas em duas épocas do ano. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 3x2x2, totalizando 12 tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os fatores consistiram em diferentes formas de aplicação de AIB (em talco e em álcool, na concentração de 1.000 mg L-1, e sem AIB), em épocas de coleta de estacas (outono e verão), e em dois tipos de estacas (com e sem lesão na porção basal). Após 200 dias do início do experimento, não foi observado efeito significativo da lesão basal no enraizamento das estacas. Porém, verificou-se que as estacas do mirtilo ‘Woodard’ são influenciadas pela época de coleta, com maior retenção foliar, massa seca, número de raízes por estaca, comprimento de raízes e comprimento da maior raiz, quando coletadas no verão. A aplicação de AIB em talco proporcionou maior porcentagem de estacas enraizadas (61,0%) em relação ao álcool (31,0%) e ao controle (41,0%), quando coletadas no outono. A aplicação em talco não diferiu entre as épocas, porém a aplicação em álcool e o controle resultaram em maiores porcentagens de estacas enraizadas no verão (70,0% e 67,0%, respectivamente). Conclui-se que o verão é a melhor época para a coleta de estacas de mirtilo ‘Woodard’, embora o AIB aplicado na forma de talco tenha aumentado a porcentagem de estacas enraizadas no outono. A lesão basal não promoveu incremento no enraizamento de estacas.

Abstract Blueberry cuttings are difficult to root, so alternatives that maximize their rhizogenic potential are essential for the expansion of the crop. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the basal lesion and different methods of indolebutyric acid (IBA) on the rooting of ‘Woodard’ herbaceous cuttings, collected in two seasons. The experimental design used was completely randomized in a 3x2x2 factorial arrangement, totaling 12 treatments and five replications. The factors consisted of different ways of IBA application (talc and alcohol in the concentration of 1,000 mg L-1, and without IBA), season of collection (autumn and summer), and two types of cuttings (with and without lesion in the basal portion). Two hundred days after the beginning of the experiment, there was no significant effect of the basal lesion on the rooting of the cuttings. However, it was found that rooting is influenced by the season of collection, with greater leaf retention, dry weight, number of roots per cutting, length of roots and length of the largest root collected in summer. The application of IBA talc provided a higher percentage of rooted cuttings (61.0%) in relation to alcohol (31.0%) and control (41.0%) when collected in the autumn. There was no difference between seasons when IBA was applied with talc, however, the application with alcohol solution and the control resulted in higher percentages of rooted cuttings in the summer (70.0% and 67.0%, respectively). Summer was considered the best season to collect ‘Woodard’ blueberry cuttings, although the IBA applied with talc has increased the percentage of rooted cuttings in the autumn. The basal lesion did not promote an increase in rooting.

RESUMO O conhecimento da capacidade de combinação entre genótipos, diversidade genética e heterose desempenha um papel fundamental na obtenção de híbridos duplos com potencial produtivo. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar esses parâmetros em genótipos de tomate por meio de um cruzamento dialélico balanceado entre híbridos simples comerciais, gerando híbridos duplos. Os genótipos de tomate incluíram 15 híbridos duplos, seus genitores e dois genótipos comerciais como testemunhas. Dos 15 híbridos duplos, dois cruzamentos exibiram superioridade, Aguamiel × Compack e Dominador × Compack, principalmente em relação à produção de frutos comerciais. Para essa caracteristica, genes com efeito não aditivo controlam sua expressão. Para massa do fruto, diâmetro horizontal, diâmetro vertical e altura de inserção do cacho, genes com efeito aditivo são responsáveis pela sua expressão genotípica. Em relação à diversidade genética, as análises moleculares indicaram polimorfismo para 79% dos locos avaliados, evidenciando a alta variabilidade genética dos genitores. Os valores de heterose foram baixos para a maioria dos cruzamentos, exceto para a combinação Quarenta × Plutão, que apresentou heterose de 107% para a produção total de frutos. O cruzamento dialélico gerou combinações híbridas com desempenho superior em relação às testemunhas comerciais, sugerindo a possibilidade de obter híbridos duplos de tomate com heterose significante.

ABSTRACT Knowledge of the combining ability of genotypes, genetic diversity, and heterosis play the paramount role in obtaining double-cross hybrids with high productivity. This study was aimed at evaluating these parameters in tomato genotypes using partial diallel crosses among the commercial single-cross hybrids, which verified the possibility of using double-cross hybrids for commercial purposes. Tomato genotypes included 15 double-cross hybrids, their genitors, and two commercial genotypes as checks. Of the fifteen double-cross hybrids of tomato, two crosses exhibited superiority, such as Aguamiel × Compack and Dominador × Compack, mainly for the total and commercial fruit yields. The phenotypic expression of the trait is controlled by the genes with non-additive effects, whereas the genes with additive effects account for the genotypes of fruit mass, horizontal diameter, vertical diameter, and bunch insertion height. Regarding the genetic diversity, molecular analyses pointed out polymorphism for 79 percent of the evaluated loci evidencing a high genetic variability among the genitors. The heterosis values were low for most of the crosses, except for Forty × Plutão that represented 107 percent of heterosis for the total fruit yield. As compared with the commercial checks, the diallel cross generated superior quality hybrids, which inferred the possibility of obtaining double-cross hybrids of tomato with significant heterosis.

Abstract The characterization and conservation of castor accessions in germplasm bank are essential in order to breeding programs achieve its goals. Despite Brazil having the 4th largest castor germplasm bank in the world, castor diversity in Brazil remains little explored. Thus, this study aimed at characterize castor accessions collected in different Brazilian regions by means of 31 morphoagronomic traits and gray mold reaction. Forty accessions of the Universidade do Estado de São Paulo (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil, germplasm bank were evaluated. Genetic parameters were estimated for the quantitative traits, and the accessions were grouped by Ward method using the standardized Euclidean distance and the simple coincidence index for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative traits were important to understand and differentiate castor accessions. The accessions showed a high variation regarding the castor gray mold reaction. The accessions assessed in this study have been preserved and can be used as a source for genetic variability in the development of new castor varieties in breeding programs.

ABSTRACT Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are a serious threat to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) yield and production since all varieties are highly susceptible to this insect. The wild tomato Solanum pennellii shows resistance towards whiteflies infestation due the high contents of acylsugars presents in its leaflets, which is not observed in S. lycopersicum. Thus, plants from the F2BC2 population derived from the cross between the cultivar S. lycopersicum ‘Redenção’ and S. pennellii (accession LA-716) were selected for acylsugars levels and evaluated for resistance to whitefly and fumagine, a saprophyte fungus from genus Capnodium (sooty mold) that grows on leaves using whiteflies excretion. Biological behavior of B. tabaci was significantly influenced by the levels of acylsugars on the leaflets of the different genotypes. Solanum pennellii and the genotypes with higher acylsugars contents exhibited the lowest whitefly oviposition preference, number of nymphs, exuviae and adult survival. Also, the percentage of leaf coverage with fumagine was significantly reduced on leaves of the S. pennellii and the genotypes with higher acylsugars. Thus, it confirms that the use of S. pennellii LA-716 enabled the introgression of genes to increase the degrees of resistance in the F2BC2 genotypes. Finally, the results presented suggest that the genotypes RVTA-2010-31-177pl#39, RVTA-2010-31-319pl#214 and RVTA-2010-83-347pl#257 can be used as potential sources of genes for resistance to B. tabaci in tomato breeding programs.

ABSTRACT The evaluation of genetic diversity among the accessions of a germplasm collection results in information about promising materials suitable for breeding programs. Thus, the goal of this work was to characterize Capsicum baccatum accessions from different Brazilian regions, based on morphological, biochemical and molecular traits, aiming to support chili pepper breeding programs. The fruits were morphologically characterized based on fruit length, diameter, fresh mass and pericarp thickness, and biochemically analyzed for their content in ascorbic and phenolic acids, flavonoid and antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. All phenotypic traits showed significant differences among the chili pepper accessions, indicating a wide variability. The fruits were also characterized using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) molecular markers. The combination of six AFLP primers resulted in 1117 bands, 1033 of which were polymorphic. Divergence between accessions was estimated by the Ward’s hierarchical agglomerative clustering method, resulting in three and two clusters for fruit phenotypic traits and molecular data, respectively. In Bayesian analysis, molecular data also clustered the accessions in two groups. There was no association between the phenotypic descriptors and AFLP markers, indicating that both characterizations are important to better understand the genetic variability. Furthermore, it was not possible to group the accessions solely based on their origin for neither phenotypic descriptors and AFLP markers. The accessions G1, G5, G6, and G20 showed interesting characteristics and can be used in breeding programs, aiming the development of Capsicum spp. cultivars with desirable morphological and biochemical traits.

RESUMO A pimenta “dedo-de-moça” (Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum) é uma das principais pimentas cultivadas mundialmente. Todavia, são escassos estudos genéticos e de melhoramento desta quando comparados a outras espécies de Capsicum, principalmente, sobre a qualidade fisiológica de sementes. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar a capacidade combinatória de pimentas “dedo-de-moça” em relação à qualidade fisiológica de sementes, determinar os efeitos gênicos envolvidos na expressão dessas características, bem como identificar combinações híbridas promissoras. Os cruzamentos entre cinco genitores (Hortivale, Horticeres, Brs Mari, UEL 110 e UEL 111) em esquema de dialelo completo resultaram na formação de 20 híbridos F1. O modelo de dialelo de Griffing foi utilizado para determinar a capacidade geral e específica de combinação (CGC e CEC, respectivamente) e o efeito recíproco (ER). Foi observada ampla variabilidade genética para todas as características analisadas. Efeitos significativos para CGC, CEC e ER foram verificados para todas as características, indicando que os efeitos aditivos, não aditivos e citoplasmáticos estão envolvidos no controle genético da qualidade fisiológica de sementes. Os efeitos gênicos não aditivos foram predominantes em relação aos aditivos. As combinações híbridas UEL 111 (♂) × Hortivale (♀) e Hortivale (♂) × UEL 110 (♀) foram consideradas promissoras para obtenção de sementes mais vigorosas, com maior germinação e longevidade.

ABSTRACT “Dedo-de-moça” (Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum) is one of the main chili peppers grown worldwide. However, studies on genetics and breeding of this species are rare, when compared to other Capsicum species, manly in relation to physiological seed quality traits. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the combining ability of “dedo-de-moça” chili pepper in relation to physiological seed quality traits, determine the gene effects involved in the expression of these traits, and identify promising hybrid combinations. Crosses among five parents (Hortivale, Horticeres, Brs Mari, UEL 110 and UEL 111) in a full diallel mating design, resulted in 20 F1 hybrids. Griffing’s diallel model was used to estimate general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA, respectively) as well as the reciprocal effect (RE). Wide genetic variability was observed for all evaluated traits. Significant effects of GCA, SCA and RE were also verified for all traits, showing that additive, non-additive and cytoplasmic effects are involved in the genetic control of physiological seed quality. Non-additive effects were predominant for all traits, being UEL 111 (♂) × Hortivale (♀) and Hortivale (♂) × UEL 110 (♀) considered promising hybrids for obtaining more vigorous seeds with higher germination and greater longevity.