Genetic diversity between native jenipapeiro plants from the reconcavo region of Bahia

Abstract

Early identification of superior genotypes is greatly important in genetic breeding programs aiming the reduction of time spent in the selection of promising genotypes. The objective of the present work was to evaluate initial growth of Genipa americana L. plants in order to obtain most dissimilar
genotypes providing useful information for future work such as preservation of this plant. Ten genotypes were used whereas seeds were collected randomly in the city of Cruz das Almas, located in the Reconcavo of Bahia Region, and plants identified using GPS (Global Positioning System). The variables studied were: fresh leaf mass (g), fresh root mass (g), fresh stem mass (g), plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf dry mass (g), root dry mass (g), stem dry mass (g), total dry mass (g) and leaf area (dm²). The results showed that there is variability between the jenipapeiro genotypes for the 16 characteristics evaluated, with the formation of 2 distinct groups for initial plant growth. The genotypes studied presented satisfactory genetic variability for future controlled hybridizations and organized preservation of the species.