Genetic divergence among populations of Brazilian tall coconut

Abstract

The genetic divergence among five populations of Brazilian Tall Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) -– Pacatuba, SE, Praia do Forte, BA, Merepe, PE, Santa Rita, PE and São José do Mipibu, RN – was studied by multivariate analysis techniques using canonical variables and Mahalanobis distances. Such techniques are largely used to study genetic divergence and are potentially useful for coconut palms. The lowest genetic divergence were found between populations of Pacatuba and Merepe. Santa Rita had the highest divergent population. In a breeding program is recommended crosses among the Santa Rita and Merepe populations due to their higher genetic divergence.