Genetic divergence for multivariate analysis of phenotypic characters of Anacardium humile (St. Hilaire)

ABSTRACT The specie Anacardium humile (St. Hilaire) is a native fruit of the Cerrado, traditionally used for either in natura consumption and the preparation of juices, sweets and jellies, but it is insufficiently explored under the economical viewpoints. Thirty eight genotypes of a population of this species were studied in an area of cerrado campo sujo with transition for cerrado campo rupestre at Patrocínio county, State of Minas Gerais-Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate either the phenotypic diversity estimated by multivariate analysis and the morphological characteristics that are promising for improvement programs and conservation. Thus, this study showed satisfactory genetic variability within the population studied, presenting the genotypes 6, 10, 24, 36 and 38 high production of fruits, weighed cashews apples and are genetically distant. As indicated in future breeding programs to be multiplied and used in commercial plantations and conservation of the specie.