Multivariate analysis in the selection of baru genotypes
In terms of extension and flora, the cerrado is the second largest Brazilian biome, which harbors native fruit species that produce fruits with different characteristics, attractive colors, and exclusive flavors, such as baru. However, the uncontrolled and unsustainable exploitation of resources in this biome has been a cause of great concern worldwide. In view of the importance and productive potential of baru, breeding programs should characterize its fruits and seeds in seedling formation by univariate and multivariate analyses and frequency histograms. This study describes an experiment laid out in a completely randomized design with seven populations of baru from the south and southeast regions of the state of Goiás, Brazil. Five replicates were used, totaling 35 experimental plots, with 15 fruits per replicate. For estimated 100-fruit weight, estimated 100-seed weight, and pulp thickness, the populations of Caldas Novas and Bom Jesus stood out with the highest means for some of the evaluated traits. As for frequency intervals, the population of Caldas Novas showed the largest amplitude for seed length, whereas the Edéia population exhibited the greatest amplitude for seed width. In the analysis of the fruit, the population of Caldas Novas showed the largest amplitudes for both length and width. After genetic dissimilarity analysis, the UPGMA clustering method grouped the Caldas Novas and Bom Jesus populations into one group and the others into another. The highest correlation indices observed were between 100-fruit weight and 100-seed weight (87%) and between seed length and fruit length (86%). Clustering based on the k-means method resulted in two groups formed: one comprising the populations of Caldas Novas, Aloândia, and Bom Jesus the other the remaining populations.