Hierarchical and optimization methods for the characterization of tomato genotypes

ABSTRACT The correct characterization of germplasm banks is fundamental for breeders to succeed in breeding programs. Several studies have sought to obtain genotypes with resistance to pests. However, there is no consensus about which methodology is the most appropriate to characterize a germplasm bank of tomato with different levels of resistance to pests. The objective of this study was to compare methods of multivariate analysis for the evaluation of genetic diversity in tomato genotypes with different levels of resistance to pests. The experiments were conducted at the Vegetable Experimental Station of the Federal University of Uberlândia - Monte Carmelo campus (18º 42’ 43.19” South latitude and 47º 29’ 55.8” West longitude, 873 m altitude), in the period from April 2013 to November 2016. Sixteen genotypes were evaluated from the interspecific cross between LA-716 (S. pennellii) versus pre-commercial line (UFU-057) followed by backcrossing and self-fertilization, along with the pre-commercial line UFU-057 (recurrent parent) Santa Clara and the wild accession S. pennellii (donor genitor). The contents of acylsugar, foliar trichomes, South American tomato pinworm and leaf miner repellency tests were analyzed. The experimental design was the randomized block design totaling 76 plots (19 genotypes x 4 blocks). It was concluded that there was genetic variability among the evaluated genotypes. The method of graphic dispersion by principal components revealed a greater power of discrimination. Genotypes UFU-057F2RC27#4.3, UFU-057F2RC28#2.2 and UFU-057F2RC27#4.7 contain the highest levels of acylsugar, resistance to Liriomyza spp. and T. absoluta.