PHENOTYPIC VARIABILITY OF THE FRUIT IN A NATURAL POPULATION OF Caryocar brasiliense CAMB AS A CONSERVATION STRATEGY

Resumo

This study aimed to estimate the phenotypic variation between genotypes of C. brasiliense through morphological descriptors of the fruit. In a natural population were sampled 47 genotypes, based on 17 physical parameters related to fruit and seed. The data (average of 20 fruits) were analyzed using multivariate methods (cluster analysis according to the method based on average linkage between groups - UPGMA, begin as measure of dissimilarity the Average Standardized Euclidean distance and Principal Component Analysis). The study reveals significant phenotypic variability, particularly concerning fruit weight, peel weight, seed weight, and peel and pulp thickness. Correlation analyses highlight important relationships, such as the positive correlation between fruit weight and peel weight, and between peel weight and fruit diameter. The formation of six similarity groups based on genetic dissimilarity may assist in selecting genotypes for germplasm banks to maximize genetic diversity. Considerable similarity was observed among genotypes sampled within a distance of less than 20 meters, suggesting kinship or vegetative reproduction of C. brasiliense in the area.