Estimation of genetic diversity in full-sib families of elephant grass Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone

Abstract

One of the challenges of the energy sector is the identification of renewable resources with less impact on the environment and that are economically viable. This study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity of eleven full-sib families of elephant grass, using quantitative traits associated with bioenergy production. The trial followed a randomized blocks design, with four replications and each plot (family) consisting of five plants, totaling 220 genotypes. Five quantitative traits were measured: dry matter yield, dry matter percentage, plant height, stem diameter and number of tillers. The genetic diversity was estimated using multivariate methods (principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering). The analysis revealed a significant genetic diversity among the full-sib of elephant grass, with a greater variability observed for dry matter yield and number of tillers. The families 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8 exhibited superior genotypes for bioenergy production-related traits. The grouping analysis generated twenty clusters, enabling the differentiation of genotypes. Eight clusters comprised genotypes with a high dry matter yield and plant height, simultaneously, surpassing the overall mean for number of tillers.

Adaptability and stability via mixed models in elephantgrass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone) varieties for energy purposes

“…Over the course of the last 15 years, the Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (UENF) has been dedicated to conducting studies aimed at obtaining, evaluating, selecting, and indicating high-quality genotypes of elephant grass, with a focus on its application in the field of bioenergy. Throughout this period, the results obtained have been encouraging in terms of the enhancement of this cultivation, as evidenced in studies carried out by Silva et al (2020), Gravina et al (2020), Vidal et al (2022), as well as Vidal et al (2023a) and Santana et al (2023). Simultaneously, the Empresa Brasileira Pesquisa Agro Pecuária (EMBRAPA) has played a significant role in the field of elephant grass studies, concentrating on the characterization and evaluation of germplasm, with an emphasis on biomass quality.…”