Trait selection using procrustes analysis for the study of genetic diversity in Conilon coffee

ABSTRACT. Trait selection is occasionally necessary to save money and time, as well as accelerate breeding program processes. This study aimed to propose two criteria to select traits based on a Procrustes analysis that are poorly explored in genetic breeding: Criterion 1 (backward algorithm) and Criterion 2 (exhaustive algorithm). Then, these two criteria were further compared with Jolliffe’s criterion, which has often been used to select traits in genetic diversity studies. Sixteen agronomic traits were considered, and 40 Conilon coffee (Coffea canephora) accessions were evaluated. This study showed that the flexibility in selecting traits by researcher preference, graphical visualization, and Procrustes M2 tatistic through criteria 1 and 2 is a fast and reliable alternative for decision-making. These decisions are based on the removal and addition of traits for phenotyping in studies of Conilon coffee diversity that can be applied to other crops. Other relevant aspects of selection traits criteria were also discussed.