The aim of this study was to compare the Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network models in prediction of grain yield of ten landrace varieties of lima bean and evaluate adaptability and stability through the Lin and Binns method for identification of the best performing variety. Trials were conducted in the municipalities of Teresina, PI, and São Domingos do Maranhão, MA, through measurement of 12 traits, except for grain yield in São Domingos do Maranhão. The parameters of Pearson and Spearman correlation, root mean square error, mean absolute error, and coefficient of determination were used to compare the models. The Artificial Neural Network proved to be more adequate for prediction of grain yield. Adaptability and stability analyses indicated that the environments are discriminant for selection of promising genotypes, and that the landrace variety Mulatinha can be recommended for planting in the municipalities.

Ornamental plants are all plants grown for their beauty, and are commonly used in gardening and landscaping. The colorful fruits and varied foliage colors that typify ornamental peppers provide a vibrant garden display that rivals other ornamental plants. This study aimed to evaluate the potential ornamental use of eight pepper accessions, Capsicum annuum, from the Capsicum Germplasm Bank of the Universidade Federal do Piauí, using qualitative and quantitative descriptors. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the Department of Plant Science, Centre of Agricultural Sciences of Universidade Federal do Piauí, where the accessions were evaluated through a completely randomized design, with eight replicates, one plant per plot, and characterized based on 35 descriptors, 23 of which were qualitative and 12 quantitative. Data on quantitative descriptors were submitted to univariate analysis of variance, followed by Scott-Knott clustering test at 5% probability. Data on qualitative multicategorical descriptors were considered based on observations of statistical mode. The eight accessions evaluated have ornamental potential and are within the standards established by the Instituto Brasileiro de Floricultura. The accessions BAGC 98, 100, 203, 207, 224, and 236 accessions are suitable for cultivation in pots, while BAGC 220 is suitable for garden cultivation. BAGC 199 is the most promising accession because it supports all quality criteria required for size, foliage, flowers, and fruit proposed by the Veiling Holambra Cooperative. SELEÇÃO DE ACESSOS DE PIMENTA COM POTENCIAL ORNAMENTALRESUMO -Planta ornamental é toda aquela cultivada por sua beleza e que normalmente é usada em jardinagem e paisagismo. A variada cor da folhagem e os frutos coloridos que caracterizam as pimentas ornamentais garantem uma exibição vívida e brilhante em jardins que rivaliza com outras ornamentais. No presente estudo, objetivou-se avaliar o potencial uso ornamental de oito acessos de pimenta, Capsicum annuum, procedentes do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de Capsicum (BAGC) da Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI) por meio de descritores qualitativos e quantitativos. O experimento foi conduzido em telado, localizado no Departamento de Fitotecnia, do Centro de Ciências Agrárias, da UFPI, onde os acessos foram avaliados em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com oito repetições, sendo uma planta por parcela, e caracterizados com base em 35 descritores, sendo 23 qualitativos multicategóricos e 12 quantitativos. Os dados dos descritores quantitativos foram submetidos à análise de variância univariada, seguida do agrupamento das médias por meio do teste de Scott-Knott, a 5% de probabilidade, já os dados dos descritores qualitativos multicategóricos foram ponderados a partir da moda observada. Os oito acessos avaliados possuem potencial ornamental e estão dentro dos padrões estabelecidos pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Floricultura, sendo que os acessos BAGC 98, 100, 203, 207, 224 e 236 foram adequados para o cultivo em vasos, enquanto que BAGC 2...

-Cowpea is a crop that has become socio-economically relevant

The knowledge of genetic diversity in plant population is essential to the success of plant breeding programs. Thus, previous characterization of landraces is one of the first steps before the indication of genotypes to these plant breeding programs. This study aimed to characterize, through morphological traits, and estimate the genetic diversity in landraces of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.). Genetic diversity was estimated by using multivariate methods that selected individual landraces to be indicated for farmers and consumers. According to morphological traits proposed by Biodiversity International, the genotypes UFPI-667 and UFPI- 682 showed higher dissimilarity and high potential to be used in crosses since they are genetically distant and complementary. The principal component analysis identified positive and significant phenotypic associations between variables: pod length, pod width, and grain production. According to the multivariate methods used, the landraces UFPI-666, UFPI-650, UFPI-651, UFPI-687, UFPI-658, UFPI-673, UFPI-667, and UFPI-674 are potential candidates for selection since they have relevant features for lima bean breeding, such as shorter cycles and higher grain production. This study showed that multivariate analysis can be used as an effective tool to find potential traits in lima bean and can assist the lima bean breeders in the selection of potential landraces. Accessions UFPI-667 and UFPI-682 can be indicated as genitors for breeding programs, as they are genetically distant and complementary in their characteristics.

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The GxE interaction only became widely discussed from evolutionary studies and evaluations of the causes of behavioral changes of species cultivated in environments. In the last 60 years, several methodologies for the study of adaptability and stability of genotypes in multiple environments trials were developed in order to assist the breeder's choice regarding which genotypes are more stable and which are the most suitable for the crops in the most diverse environments. The methods that use linear regression analysis were the first to be used in a general way by breeders, followed by multivariate analysis methods and mixed models. The need to identify the genetic and environmental causes that are behind the GxE interaction led to the development of new models that include the use of covariates and which can also include both multivariate methods and mixed modeling. However, further studies are needed to identify the causes of GxE interaction as well as for the more accurate measurement of its effects on phenotypic expression of varieties in competition trials carried out in genetic breeding programs.

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is the second most important socioeconomic species of the genus, consisting of a food alternative as green or mature beans. It is an income option for family farmers and the lack of superior varieties makes its recommendation difficult, considering the peculiar lima bean variability. Thus, aimed to select landraces of lima beans based on desirable agronomic traits, enabling their use in breeding programs and later recommendations to family farmers. Evaluation trials were carried out with 14 landraces of lima beans in the municipalities of São Domingos do Maranhão - MA, Teresina - PI, Bom Jesus - PI, and Tianguá - CE. The agronomic traits were evaluated: number of days until flowering, number of days until pod maturation, pod length, pod width, pod thickness, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. The data were initially subjected to univariate analysis of variance to determine the genetic variability in different environments and, subsequently, to multivariate and cluster analyses. The evaluated landraces showed genetic divergence, not being grouped according to geographic origin, demonstrating the existence of similarity between germplasms of rural communities in neighboring states. The varieties Boca de Moça, Raio de Sol, and Fava Branca CE are the earliest; Boca de Moça, Rajada, and Raio de Sol presented the longest pods and largest seeds; and Boca de Moça, Rajada, and Mulatinha are the most productive. Therefore, it qualifies them for recommendation to family farmers and/or incorporation in lima bean breeding programs.

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