Selection gain in the intrapopulation genetic breeding of yellow passion fruit

Abstract

The objective of this work was to estimate the selection gain associated to traits of agronomic importance, in the intrapopulation genetic breeding of yellow passion fruit. The experiment was carried out in the field, in Terra Nova do Norte, MT, Brazil, by evaluating 111 full‑sib families (FSF) and six commercial cultivars, used as controls. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, with three replicates and four plants per plot. The following traits were evaluated: productivity, fruit length, diameter and weight, pulp percentage and weight, skin thickness, and soluble solid content. In order to determine the genetic variability between genotypes, the population’s genetic parameters were estimated based on the means of the families. The 30 genotypes with the lowest sum of ranks, according to Mulamba & Mock’s selection index, were selected to estimate genetic gains. High mean values were observed for the evaluated characteristics and genetic parameters in the 26 FSF and in the four controls selected. The selection index provides positive genetic gains as to: productivity, pulp percentage and weight, fruit length, diameter and weight, and skin thickness.