ABSTRACT. Selection practices are maximized when plant breeders have the availability of consolidated parameters, which will guide direct and indirect selection methods. This study aimed to apply a biometric alternative to minimize residual variance and maximize selection parameters by parent-progeny regression, interim controls, and mixed linear models intrinsic to breeding. The obtained data were subjected to the assumptions of the statistical model, which identified the normality and homogeneity of the residual variances and model additivity. Subsequently, two analysis scenarios were created. The first preserved all information obtained in the experiment, both from segregating families and pure-line cultivars, and was called original scenario. The other scenario preserved progeny data, but the residual variability of controls was restricted using as criterion observations contained between the interval of the first sample standard deviation. Thereby, an acceptable residue limit could be obtained. Both scenarios were submitted to three consolidated frequentist methods (genitor-progeny regression; sum of squares of augmented block design with interim controls; and mixed linear models, wherein random genetic effects are taken as weighted genetic parameters by the genealogical matrix). Restricting residual variation in parents or controls can maximize genetic parameters and genetic gains in soybean breeding. Significant heritability estimate gains were obtained in the augmented blocks with interim control approach. Mixed linear models with random genetic effects can be considered a great tool to obtain genetic parameters in experiments with a high magnitude of common and regular treatments.

ABSTRACT The agronomic traits have complex quantitative inheritance, wheat breeding has a highly cost and time expending to achieve advanced lines, and new cultivars. The objective of this work was to estimate the phenotypic (rp), genotypic (rg) and environmental (re) correlation coefficients and the genetic parameters, as well as to estimate the selection gains between agronomic traits in wheat using multivariate analysis. F6 generation was carried out in a randomized block experimental design, with fifteen wheat genotypes arranged in three replications. The traits measured were days of emergence to flowering, plant height, number of tillers, spike length, number of spikelets, kernel weight and thousand kernel weight. Correlation coefficients, variance components, genetic parameters, selection gain, Euclidiana’s distance, relative contribution of traits and canonical variables were estimated. Selection based on number of tillers, kernel weight and thousand kernel weight may result in expressive selection gains. The number of fertile tillers per plant showed a significant and positive intermediate association with kernel weight and positive correlation with number of spikelets. The cycle showed greater contribution to the genetic divergence among genotypes studied. Distinct groups highlighted the genetic variability among genotypes.

Abstract UFSMFW 2202 is an early black oat cultivar with high dry matter and grain yield potential. When used in rotation systems, the early cycle has the immediate advantage of allowing anticipated sowing of subsequent crop. Initially, the cultivar is recommended for the North and Northwest of Rio Grande do Sul.

Abstract The black oat cultivar UFSMFW 2101, recommended for Northwest of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is very early and can produce high dry matter and grain yields. In rotation systems, an immediate advantage is the very early cycle, with the possibility of anticipated sowing of the subsequent crop.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a adaptabilidade, a estabilidade e a estratificação ambiental de trigo (Triticum aestivum) em 20 ambientes, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os experimentos foram realizados durante quatro anos agrícolas, em cinco regiões de cultivo, tendo-se considerado 20 ambientes distintos. Na presença da interação genótipo x ambiente (GxA), utilizou-se o método “additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis” (AMMI). Este método combina as variâncias dos efeitos aditivos dos genótipos e dos ambientes com os efeitos multiplicativos da interação GxA, e os escores obtidos são mostrados em gráficos biplot, com uso de análise de componentes principais. A estratificação dos ambientes foi obtida com análise fatorial, e os macroambientes foram definidos de acordo com o comportamento do rendimento de grãos. Os padrões de adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica dos genótipos 'BRS 327', 'BRS 331', 'Fundacep Raízes', 'BRS 328' e 'BRS Guamirim' foram obtidos por meio dos métodos biométricos multivariados AMMI e análise de fatores. A definição de macroambientes é intrínseca a peculiaridades dos anos agrícolas, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, e há similaridade entre os municípios de Santo Augusto, Cachoeira do Sul e São Luiz Gonzaga, bem como entre Cachoeira do Sul e São Gabriel.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the adaptability, stability, and environmental stratification of wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown in 20 environments, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The experiments were performed during four crop years, in five wheat growing regions, considering 20 distinct growing environments. In the presence of genotype x environment (GxE) interaction, the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis (AMMI) method was used. This method combines variances of additive effects of genotypes and environments with the multiplicative effects of GxE interaction, and the obtained scores are displayed in biplot graphs, using the principal component analysis. The environments stratified by the factor analysis, and the macroenvironments were defined according to grain yield behavior. The patterns of adaptability and phenotypic stability for genotypes 'BRS 327', 'BRS 331', 'Fundacep Raízes', 'BRS 328', and 'BRS Guamirim' were obtained through the multivariate biometric approaches AMMI and the factor analysis. The definition of macroenvironments is intrinsic to peculiarities of the crop year in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and there is similarity between the municipalities of Santo Augusto, Cachoeira do Sul, and São Luiz Gonzaga, as well as between Cachoeira do Sul and São Gabriel.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso do método multivariado de melhor preditor linear não viesado (BLUP), para estimar os parâmetros genéticos em genótipos de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum). O experimento foi realizado em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com 21 genótipos de cana-de-açúcar, em sete anos agrícolas, em arranjo fatorial com três repetições. As características medidas foram: rendimento total de caules por hectare, volume total de suco por hectare, produção de açúcares solúveis totais e comprimento do caule. A variação da fonte nos anos agrícolas contribuiu fortemente para a obtenção dos valores esperados da soma dos quadrados, sem causar distorções das estimativas dos componentes de variância e parâmetros genéticos. As características medidas apresentaram variabilidade genética e permitiram seleções univariada e multivariada eficientes. A maior eficiência de seleção foi obtida com o uso de mais de oito medições, pois elas favoreceram as estimativas de herdabilidade, precisão e repetibilidade. Os genótipos 'IAC873396', 'Nova Iraí', 'IACSP 93-6006' e 'RB 835089' foram superiores para as características testadas, independentemente do ano agrícola. A técnica multivariada BLUP para a seleção multicaracterísticas é robusta e permite aumentar os ganhos de seleção, a acurácia e a confiabilidade das predições para o melhoramento da cana-de-açúcar.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of the multivariate best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) method for multi-trait selection, to estimate the genetic parameters in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) genotypes. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with 21 sugarcane genotypes, in seven crop years, in a factorial arrangement with three replicates. The measured traits were: total yield of stems per hectare, total volume of juice per hectare, production of total soluble sugars, and stem length. The source variation in the crop years strongly contributed for the obtention of the expected values of the sum of squares, without causing distortions in the variance components and genetic variables. The measured traits showed genetic variability and allowed of efficient univariate and multivariate selections. The highest selection efficiency was obtained by using more than eight measurements, since they favored the estimates of heritability, accuracy, and repeatability. The 'IAC873396', 'Nova Iraí', 'IACSP 93-6006', and 'RB 835089' genotypes were superior as to the traits tested, regardless of the crop year. The BLUP multivariate technique for multi-trait selection is robust and allows of the increasing of the selection gains, accuracy, and reliability of predictions for sugarcane breeding.

Este estudo teve objetivo de avaliar a influencia de três níveis de vigor de sementes em caracteres do rendimento de grãos da soja cultivada no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O experimento foi conduzido na safra agrícola de 2017/2018 no município de Condor, localizado no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos casualizados, organizado em esquema fatorial com dois genótipos de soja (NA 5909 RG e BMX Ativa RR) e três níveis de vigor (alto, médio e baixo), dispostos em quatro repetições. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes homocedasticidades dos resíduos e homogeneidade das variâncias, análise de variância e interação entre genótipos de soja x níveis de vigor, correlação linear, algoritmo de Mahalanobis e análise biplot dos componentes principais. O uso de sementes com alto vigor determinou o estande de plantas por unidade de área e o rendimento de grãos da soja. Um incremento de 20% foi obtido para o rendimento de grãos devido o uso de sementes com elevado potencial fisiológico independente do genótipo de soja utilizado. A estabilidade inicial quando comprometida, influencia negativamente os componentes de rendimento, bem como, modificações abruptas na estrutura das plantas não resultaram em efeitos que compensassem a produção.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of three levels of seeds vigor in the attributes of soybean yield when cultivated in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The experiment was conducted in the crop season of 2017/2018, in the city of Condor, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The experimental design was random blocks organized in factorial scheme, being two soybean genotypes (NA 5909 RG and BMX Ativa RR) x three vigor levels (high, medium and low), and disposed in four replicates. The data was submitted to normality and homoscedasticity analysis of errors, variance analysis and interaction between soybean genotypes x seeds vigor level, linear correlation, Mahalanobis algorithm and Biplot analysis of the main compounds. The use of high vigor seeds determines the plant stand per unit of area and the grain yield of soybean. An increment of 20 % is obtained for grain yield due to the use of seeds with elevated physiologic potential independent of the soybean genotype. The soybean initial establishment, when compromised, negatively influences the yield components, also, abrupt modifications in the plants structure does not results in effects that will compensate production.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to estimate the variance components and genetic parameters, the selection gain, and the cause and effect relationships among traits in order to identify important traits for direct and indirect selection of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines. Three strategies were used to obtain selection gains: direct and indirect selection, an index based on “ranks,” and the Smith and Hazel index. In the 2017 crop season in Brazil, 420 wheat lines from the F5 generation were conducted in families with intercalary controls. High heritability of spike weight, number of kernels, and total kernel weight resulted in the best direct selection gains. The selection of plants with a high number of tillers resulted in grain yield improvement. The use of selection indexes is important in advanced wheat lines; they promote genetic gains distributed among agronomic traits.

ABSTRACT The cultivation of second-harvest with soybean crop after first-harvest with maize crop has become an alternative to aggregate income to farmers in the South region of Brazil. However, there is little information about this cropping system in this region. The aims of this study were to: (i) evaluate the agronomic performance of soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars growing in second-harvest during the summer; and (ii) evaluate the genetic divergence of the cultivars based on qualitative and quantitative traits. To do this, 18 soybean cultivars were evaluated in three field trials, sown during January in the northwestern region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. In each experiment, a randomized block design with four replicates was used. Five quantitative traits (representing the agronomic performance of the cultivars) and 12 qualitative traits (morphological descriptors) were assessed aiming at studying the genetic divergence. Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated using mixed models and BLUPs for genotypes were estimated for each quantitative trait. The cultivars FPS Iguaçu RR and BMX Turbo RR have good agronomic performance and are, based on quantitative and qualitative traits, genetically distant. These cultivars have shown agronomic features that allow their cultivation in the second-harvest in the northwestern of Rio Grande do Sul in addition to be potential genitors for future soybean breeding programs.

ABSTRACT The aims of this study were to characterize black oat populations by estimating between- and within-populations variance components and genetic parameters, as well as to distinguish the populations using multivariable statistics. The experiment was carried out in randomized blocks design with three repetitions, with 14 black oat populations collected in several municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul state. Agronomic important traits were assessed at physiological maturation stage. Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated considering within-block information. In addition, Mahalanobis distance, relative contribution of traits, and canonical variables were used to distinguish the populations. Selection based on panicle length, number of grains per panicle, panicle weight and panicle grain weight may result in higher selection gains. Panicle grain weight presents a greater contribution to genetic divergence between studied populations. The formation of distinct groups indicated the presence of genetic variability among black oat populations in the northwestern of the Rio Grande do Sul state. Directed crosses between individual plants of populations from (i) Alto Alegre and Salvador das Missões, Chapada, or Santa Rosa or (ii) between plants of populations from Salvador das Missões and Campos Borges or Santa Rosa can generate segregating populations with great genetic variability. The predominance of between-phenotypic variance and a within-genetic variance indicate prospects for success in selection gain and possible selection of a new cultivar with fewer efforts compared to a cross-based method. This is supported by the high values of within-population heritability.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho de híbridos de milho (Zea mays) intervarietais, a partir de cruzamentos topcross entre populações crioulas, além de confirmar se a dissimilaridade genética entre as populações é correlacionada à heterose dos híbridos intervarietais no campo. Nove híbridos topcross foram avaliados com seu testador 'BRS Planalto', e as seguintes populações crioulas foram utilizadas como genitores: Argentino Branco, Dente de Ouro, Amarelão, Criolão, Caiano Rajado, Branco Oito Carreiras, Branco Roxo Índio, Cateto Branco e Argentino Amarelo. O testador 'BRS Planalto' e os híbridos topcross Branco Oito Carreiras x 'BRS Planalto' e Criolão x 'BRS Planalto' apresentaram maior potencial per se quanto ao rendimento de grãos. O topcross Branco Oito Carreiras x 'BRS Planalto' apresentou melhor desempenho quanto a número de grãos por fileira, massa de grãos da espiga e diâmetro de espiga, enquanto o Criolão x 'BRS Planalto' apresentou melhor desempenho quanto a número de grãos por fileira e comprimento de espiga. As maiores estimativas de distância genética não implicaram, necessariamente, altos valores de heterose, e tiveram correlação apenas com o comprimento da espiga. Portanto, não é possível predizer os efeitos de alta heterose sobre o rendimento de grãos, com base na distância genética entre as populações envolvidas nos cruzamentos.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of intervarietal corn (Zea mays) hybrids with topcross crosses between landrace populations, and to confirm whether genetic dissimilarity between populations is correlated with the heterosis of the intervarietal hybrids in the field. Nine topcross hybrids were evaluated with their tester 'BRS Planalto', and the following landrace populations were used as parents: Argentino Branco, Dente de Ouro, Amarelão, Criolão, Caiano Rajado, Branco Oito Carreiras, Branco Roxo Índio, Cateto Branco, and Argentino Amarelo. The tester 'BRS Planalto' and the topcross hybrids Branco Oito Carreiras x 'BRS Planalto' and Criolão x 'BRS Planalto' showed higher per se potential for grain yield. The topcross hybrid Branco Oito Carreiras x 'BRS Planalto' showed a better performance for number of grains per row, grain weight, and ear diameter, whereas Criolão x 'BRS Planalto' displayed a better performance for the number of grains per row and ear length. Greater estimates of genetic distance did not necessarily result in greater heterosis values and were exclusively correlated with grain ear length. Therefore, it is not possible to predict the effects of high heterosis on grain yield, based on the genetic distance between the populations involved in the crosses.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi aplicar um índice multivariado de vigor em sementes da soja para identificar os efeitos diferenciais da interação genótipos x ambientes na qualidade das sementes produzidas na safra 2016/2017. O experimento foi conduzido na safra agrícola de 2016/2017 em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, organizado no esquema fatorial, sendo: cinco ambientes de produção de sementes (Santa Rosa - RS, Tenente Portela - RS, Campos Borges - RS, Sarandi - RS e Pelotas - RS) x 20 genótipos de soja, dispostos em quatro repetições. Os ambientes de produção de sementes da soja de Tenente Portela - RS e Santa Rosa - RS caracterizam-se como os ambientes que expressam maior magnitude para o índice de vigor das sementes, entretanto biometricamente Sarandi - RS definiu-se como o ambiente ótimo para a produção de sementes de alto vigor diante dos genótipos testados. Elevado índice de vigor das sementes foram expressos para os genótipos TMG 7161 RR, AMS Tibagi RR, BMX Magna RR, Fepagro 37 RR e NA 5909 RG. Os efeitos diferenciais da interação genótipos x ambientes de produção das sementes de soja influencia em mais de 68% o índice de vigor das sementes produzidas.

Abstract : The objective of this work was to apply a multivariate index of vigor in soybean seeds to identify the differential effects of the genotypes x environments interaction on the quality of the seeds produced in the 2016/2017 harvest season. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, organized in the factorial scheme, with five seed production environments x 20 soybean genotypes, arranged in four replications. The seed production environments of Tenente Portela - RS and Santa Rosa - RS soybeans are characterized as the environments that express the highest magnitude for seed vigor index, however biometrically Sarandi - RS has been defined as the optimal environment for the production of high vigor seeds according to the tested genotypes. High seed vigor index were expressed for the genotypes TMG 7161 RR, AMS Tibagi RR, BMX Magna RR, Fepagro 37 RR and NA 5909 RG. The differential effects of the genotypes x production environments interaction of soybean seeds influenced by more than 68% the vigor index of the seeds produced.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a adaptabilidade e a estabilidade multicaráter de genótipos de trigo (Triticum aestivum) de acordo com índice fenotípico de vigor de sementes (IFV). Trinta genótipos de trigo foram cultivados em sete ambientes, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, durante uma safra. Em cada ambiente, utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. O IFV foi elaborado a partir das seguintes características: primeira contagem da germinação, percentagem de germinação, envelhecimento acelerado e condutividade elétrica. O índice fenotípico avaliado possibilita definir macroambientes para a produção de sementes de trigo com alto potencial fisiológico e compreender as implicações da interação genótipo x ambiente. O índice fenotípico de vigor de sementes é efetivo para classificar os genótipos ao se considerar a seleção de múltiplas características relacionadas ao vigor de sementes de trigo produzidas na região Sul do Brasil.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the adaptability and multi-trait stability of wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes according to the phenotypic index of seed vigor (PIV). Thirty wheat genotypes were grown in seven environments in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, during one crop season. In each environment, a randomized complete block design with three replicates was used. The PIV was elaborated from the following traits: first germination count, germination percentage, accelerated aging, and electrical conductivity. The evaluated phenotypic index makes it possible to define macroenvironments for the production of wheat seeds with high physiological potential and to understand the implications of the genotype x environment interaction. The phenotypic index of seed vigor is effective to rank genotypes considering multi-trait selection related to the vigor of wheat seeds produced in Southern Brazil.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a consistência dos métodos de Annicchiarico, Lin & Binns, Wricke e de análise fatorial na identificação de clones de eucalipto com estabilidade, adaptabilidade e alto potencial produtivo. Foram utilizados 84 clones, com três anos de idade, provenientes do programa de melhoramento genético da empresa CMPC Celulose Riograndense. Três experimentos de campo foram realizados em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 84x3, com 20 repetições de uma planta por parcela. Os clones foram avaliados quanto a diâmetro à altura do peito, altura da planta e volume de madeira. Os métodos de Annicchiarico e Lin & Binns são altamente correlacionados entre si, e seu uso em conjunto com o método de Wricke é uma estratégia apropriada para avaliação de clones de eucalipto. A análise fatorial identificou clones amplamente adaptáveis, e alguns deles foram os mesmos identificados pelos métodos de Annicchiarico e Lin & Binns. O uso da classificação média dos clones, juntamente com a análise fatorial, é eficiente para identificar os mais adaptados, estáveis e produtivos, entre um elevado número de genótipos.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the consistency of the methods of Annicchiarico, Lin & Binns, Wricke, and factor analysis in identifying eucalyptus clones with stability, adaptability, and high productive potential. Eight-four clones, with three years of age, from the genetic breeding program of the company CMPC Celulose Riograndense were used. Three field experiments were carried out in a randomized complete block design, in an 84x3 factorial arragement, with 20 replicates of one plant per plot. The clones were evaluated as to diameter at breast height, plant height, and volume of wood. The methods of Annicchiarico and Lin & Binns are highly correlated with each other, and their use together with the method of Wricke is a sound strategy for the evaluation of eucalyptus clones. The factor analysis identified broadly adaptable clones, and some of them were the same ones identified by the methods of Annicchiarico and Lin & Binns. The use of the mean classification of the clones, along with the factor analysis, is efficient to identify the most adapted, stable, and productive ones among a high number of genotypes.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar vinhos 'Cabernet Sauvignon' elaborados com uvas produzidas na região de Bagé, RS, durante três safras. Um delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso foi realizado com três tratamentos e três repetições. As avaliações foram feitas para as safras de 2004, 2007 e 2008. Os vinhos 'Cabernet Sauvignon' das safras 2004, 2008 e 2009 diferiram quanto aos seguintes parâmetros: densidade, teor alcoólico, acidez total, pH, açúcares redutores, DO 420, 520 e 620, intensidade de cor, antocianinas totais, polifenóis totais, sódio, cálcio, magnésio, manganês, cobre, ferro, rubídio, fósforo, metanol, propanol, 2-methyl-l-propanol, 2,3 - methyl-l-butanol e soma de álcoois. 'Cabernet Sauvignon' tem potencial de ser produzida na região de Bagé e contribuir para que ela venha a se tornar um polo vinícola no Brasil.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to characterize 'Cabernet Sauvignon' wines made from grapes cultivated in the region of Bagé, RS, Brazil, during three crop seasons. A randomized complete block design was carried out with three treatments and three replicates.The evaluations were performed for the 2004, 2007, and 2008 growing seasons. 'Cabernet Sauvignon' wines of the 2004, 2008, and 2009 harvests differed for the following parameters: density, alcoholic content, total acidity, pH, reducing sugars, OD 420, 520, and 620, color intensity, total anthocyanins, total polyphenols, sodium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, rubidium, phosphorus, methanol, propanol, 2-methyl-l-propanol, 2, 3 - methyl-l-butanol, and sum of alcohols. 'Cabernet Sauvignon' has potential to be produced in the Bagé region, and to help it to become a wine growing region in Brazil.