Phenotypic variability of fruits and seeds in natural populations of Hymenaea stigonocarpa (Mart. Ex Hayne)

Abstract

Hymenaea stigonocarpa (Mart. Ex Hayne), popularly known as jatobá-do-cerrado, is a fruit tree widely distributed in the Brazilian Savanna, has multiple uses and is a promising genetic resource. This study aimed to physically characterize fruits and seeds of H. stigonocarpa, as well as to estimate the phenotypic variability at three hierarchical levels: populations, mother trees within populations, and fruits/seeds within mother trees. Fruits from six mother trees were sampled from each of the 25 natural populations found in the Brazilian Savanna. The morphometric characterization of 742 fruits was carried out by evaluating 10 quantitative traits in fruits and seeds. In addition, comparative analyses were performed between the average values of H. stigonocarpa and the botanical variety H. stigonocarpa var. brevipetiolata. Significant phenotypic variations were noticed at all hierarchical levels. A high phenotypic differentiation among the populations was observed for quantitative traits (fruit mass and size, pulp mass and seed mass), being higher when H. stigonocarpa var. brevipetiolata was included in the analysis.

Morfometria de estruturas reprodutivas, germinação e crescimento inicial de Hymenaea courbaril L. para fins de reconhecimento em campo

“…A plasticidade fenotípica encontrada em espécies de plantas que possuem ampla distribuição geográfica, sobretudo ocorrendo em diferentes biomas, são importantes do ponto de vista de adaptação às particularidades edafoclimáticas existentes em cada local. Com isso, estudos voltados para a investigação da variabilidade fenotípica através de caracteres quantitativos de frutos e sementes são relevantes para a correta identificação em nível taxonômico e, dessa forma, planejar estratégias de conservação in situ e ex situ (CASTRO et al, 2021). São importantes também para a elaboração de propostas de utilização sustentável, a exemplo da seleção de sementes para produção de mudas de alta qualidade com o objetivo de atender projetos de melhoramento genético, reflorestamentos, reocupação de áreas degradadas, entre outros fins.…”

Quantitative genetic characterization of an in vivo germplasm collection of Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne

“…A more recent study recognizes H. brevipetiolata as a distinct species from H. stigonocarpa, both as monophyletic taxa . Some studies for the genetic characterization of accessions and subpopulations of H. stigonocarpa have already been carried out, using molecular markers or morphological traits of fruits and seedlings (Braga et al 2019, Gonçalves et al 2019, Castro et al 2021). One of these works resulted in the implementation of an in vivo germplasm collection with maternal progenies from 24 subpopulations (local populations) covering a large part of the Brazilian Cerrado (Castro et al 2021).…”

“…Some studies for the genetic characterization of accessions and subpopulations of H. stigonocarpa have already been carried out, using molecular markers or morphological traits of fruits and seedlings (Braga et al 2019, Gonçalves et al 2019, Castro et al 2021). One of these works resulted in the implementation of an in vivo germplasm collection with maternal progenies from 24 subpopulations (local populations) covering a large part of the Brazilian Cerrado (Castro et al 2021). This collection has an effective population size considered satisfactory for use in breeding programs, being representative of the genetic variability of the species (Gonçalves et al 2019).…”

Phenotypic and genotypic evaluation of Parkia platycephala families: a proposal for pre-selection

“…Species with wide geographic distribution that occur across different biomes, such as P. platycephala, show several advantages including adaptability, phenotypic plasticity, and high levels of genetic diversity (Castro et al 2021), which can be a great advantage for breeding programs, specifically when it is DYBO Silva et al starting the domestication of the species as for P. platycephala. Therefore, to design effective strategies for conservation and/or genetic improvement, the characterization of genetic variability is essential (Spigler et al 2017).…”