Phenotypic divergence among table grapes accesses in the Brazilian Semi‑Arid

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the phenotypic divergence in grapes from the Collection of Embrapa Semi-Árido, in 2005/2006, based on eight morphoagronomic variables. In seeded grapes, the analysis
by main components identifi ed eight contrasting groups. The most important variables for genetic divergence were weight and length of berries. In seedless grapes, only one group was found, with berry weight and yield as the most important variables. The standardized mean Euclidean distance in the seeded grapes showed that 41% accesses had estimative higher than the general mean; in the seedless grapes, it was 47%. Agreement with the principal components was observed. Through UPGMA, three big groups with seeds were formed: the fi rst with 14 accesses; the second with six accesses and 56% similarity; the third with 19 accesses and 73% similarity. In the seedless group, two groups were formed: one with 11 accesses and 59% similarity; another with seven accesses and 58% similarity; and the third with one access. It is suggested that accesses with higher divergence for the studied characters be used to obtain grape hybrids.