Abstract Linkage maps have become important tools for genetic studies. With the aim of evaluating the SRAP (sequence-related amplified polymorphism) technique for linkage mapping in Pisum sativum L., a F2 mapping population derived from an initial cross between cvs. DDR11 and Zav25 were generated. A total of 25 SRAP primer combinations were evaluated in 45 F2 plants and both parental lines, generating 208 polymorphic bands/markers. The markers were analyzed by the chi-square goodness-of-fit test to check the expected Mendelian segregation ratio. The resulting linkage map consists of 112 genetic markers distributed in 7 linkage groups (LGs), covering a total of 528.8 cM. The length of the LGs ranged from 47.6 to 144.3 cM (mean 75.54 cM), with 9 to 34 markers. The linkage map developed in this study indicates that the SRAP marker system could be applied to mapping studies of pea.

A existência de variabilidade é um pré-requisito para o melhoramento genético em plantas. A alcachofra é uma hortícola de alto valor nutritivo e medicinal, representando uma alternativa rentável para os produtores rurais. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a variabilidade fenotípica de uma cultivar comercial de alcachofra (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L) estabelecida por sementes. As plantas foram cultivadas no campo e avaliadas quando o capítulo primário atingiu o estádio comercial. Foram avaliados 21 caracteres quantitativos e cinco multicategóricos, com posterior análise multivariada. Para os caracteres quantitativos, a distância entre os indivíduos variou de 3 a 50,9, revelando elevada variabilidade intrapopulacional. Os caracteres com maior contribuição relativa para divergência genética foram a massa fresca do capítulo primário (79,88%) e massa fresca do fundo (8,43), indicando a possibilidade de seleção de plantas com qualidade de capítulo nesta população. A análise de agrupamento pelo método UPGMA, com base nos caracteres quantitativos, permitiu a formação de cinco grupos. Para as variáveis multicategóricas, similaridade entre os indivíduos variou de 1.22% a 100%. Foi possível selecionar indivíduos com características superiores quanto aos principais caracteres quantitativos desejáveis para o consumo in natura, como: massa fresca e comprimento do capítulo primário, massa fresca de fundo, comprimento e largura da base das brácteas, comprimento das brácteas externas, bem como características não quantitativas como capítulo de formato circular, ausência de espinhos e presença de cor violeta no capítulo.

The existence of variability is a prerequisite for genetic improvement in plants. Globe artichoke is a high nutritious vegetable with medical value, representing a profitable alternative for rural producers. This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the phenotypic variability in a commercial cultivar of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L) established from seeds. Field plants were assessed when primary head reached commercial stage. An amount of 21 quantitative and 5 multicategoric characters were assessed. The quantitative data were submitted to multivariate analysis. For quantitative characters the distance between individuals varied from 3.0 to 50.9, revealing high intrapopulation variability. The greater relative contribution characters for genetic divergence were the primary head fresh mass (79.88%) and bottom fresh mass (8.43%). This indicates the possibility of plant selection for head quality in this population. The clustering analysis through UPGMA method, based on quantitative characters, allowed the formation of five groups. For multicategoric traits, the similarity among individuals varied from 1.22% to 100%. Within the existing population variability, it was possible to select plants with superior quantitative traits desirable for in natura consumption, as primary head fresh weight and length, bottom fresh mass, bract basis length and width, as well as non-quantitative traits as round head shape, absence of thorn and presence of violet color in the head.

Foi caracterizada morfofisiologicamente uma coleção de germoplasma de 19 acessos de alcachofra, visando acessar a variabilidade genética e selecionar materiais aptos ao consumo in natura para o melhoramento genético. A coleção foi constituída por acessos comerciais, materiais coletados no sul do Brasil e de origem internacional. Vinte caracteres quantitativos, cinco multicategóricos e dois binários foram avaliados. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos à análise multivariada. Foi observada variabilidade genética para quase todas as características estudadas. Os caracteres com maior contribuição relativa para a divergência genética foram espessura e diâmetro do fundo; razão massa fresca do fundo/massa fresca do capítulo; comprimento da bráctea externa, base das brácteas, folhas e capítulo primário; altura e diâmetro da planta; diâmetro do capítulo primário e espessura da base das brácteas, representando 79,54% da variabilidade. Quatro grupos foram formados pela análise de agrupamento. O grupo I reuniu o maior número de acessos com características para o consumo in natura. Os melhores acessos foram Romanesca 1, Verde Redonda e Verde Redonda Melhorada, pois apresentaram plantas com maior massa fresca e diâmetro de capítulos primários, massa fresca e diâmetro do fundo, capítulo circular, sem espinhos e coloração desejada, características importantes na seleção de genótipos superiores ao consumo in natura.

A morphophysiological characterization of 19 accessions within an artichoke germplasm collection was conducted with the aim of determining genetic variability and to select materials suitable for in natura consumption to be used in genetic breeding. The collection was composed of commercial accessions, materials collected in South Brazil, and of foreign origin. Twenty quantitative, five multicategorical and two binary traits were evaluated. Quantitative data were submitted to a multivariate analysis. Genetic variability was observed for almost all characteristics. The traits with the greatest relative contribution to genetic divergence, which accounted for 79.54% of the variability, were as follows: the thickness and diameter bottom, bottom fresh mass/head fresh mass ratio, external bract length, bracts base, leaves and primary head height and plant diameter, primary head diameter and bracts base thickness. A cluster analysis revealed four groups. Group I aggregated the accessions with characteristics for fresh consumption. The best accessions were Romanesco 1, Green Globe, and Improved Green Globe, all of which exhibited plants with a greater fresh mass, larger primary head diameter, greater fresh mass and bottom diameter, circular head shape, no thorns, round head tip and desired color, that are important traits for selection of superior genotypes for in natura consumption.

In the Cynara cardunculus L. primary complex we can find a globe artichoke: Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus and other botanical varieties such as C. cardunculus var. altilis (cultivated cardoon) and C. cardunculus var. sylvestris (wild artichoke). Traditionally, they varieties were grouped according to morphological and biochemical traits and more recently, based on molecular markers. The aim of the present paper was to compare the use of morphological, biochemical and molecular markers to distinguish botanical varieties of Cynara cardunculus. Three accessions of var. scolymus, two accessions of var. altilis and two accessions of var. sylvestris were used. Different morphological variables, electrophoresis seed protein patterns by SDS-PAGE and SRAP markers were evaluated. The three kinds of markers grouped all materials in two clusters: one of them included the globe artichoke and the other the cardoons. SDS-PAGE is a valid technique for botanical varieties identification but the morphological and molecular data were more effective at discriminating botanical varieties and accessions within the scolymus group.

Dentro del complejo primario de Cynara cardunculus L. se encuentran diversas variedades botánicas: var. scolymus (alcaucil), var. altilis (cardo cultivado) y var. sylvestris (cardo silvestre). A lo largo de la historia del mejoramiento, la caracterización de los materiales ha evolucionado desde el uso de caracteres morfológicos hasta los modernos análisis moleculares, pasando por los marcadores bioquímicos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue comparar la utilidad de los marcadores morfológicos, bioquímicos y moleculares para la caracterización de materiales pertenecientes a tres variedades botánicas de Cynara cardunculus. Tres cultivares de la var. scolymus, dos de la var. altilis y dos de la var. sylvestris fueron caracterizadas por variables morfovegetativas, proteínas de reserva y por marcadores moleculares a través de la técnica SRAP. Estas metodologías permitieron discriminar dos grupos: uno incluyendo las variedades de cardo cultivado y silvestre, y el otro, las variedades del alcaucil. Los datos moleculares y morfológicos permitieron además diferenciar los cultivares evaluados de la var. scolymus. Se concluye que los marcadores analizados son útiles para la caracterización intravarietal e intervarietal en programas de mejoramiento.

There have been few reports on genetic parameters or artificial selection for growth traits in globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), the study of the effect of one cycle of mass selection and realized heritability estimates would be valuable for planning breeding strategies in this species. A C0 segregating population was formed from the cross of two contrasting seed-grown cultivars, Imperial Star and Estrella del Sur FCA. Selected plants for productive traits were intercrossed to produce a C1 population. The C1 population along with the C0 population, both parents and the F1 were evaluated obtaining the response to selection and estimating realized heritability. Mass selection for increased yield and precocity was particularly successful, where for the first trait realized heritability reached 0.71 and 0.60 for the second one. For most traits, the observed values for realized heritability in the experiment (0.75, 0.61 and 0.52 for weight of the main head, marketable yield and length of the main head, respectively) indicate that a substantial part of the observed phenotypic variance is of additive nature. Therefore, in general, selection for these traits in seed-grown globe artichoke populations will be effective.

Existe a nivel mundial poca información sobre parámetros genéticos o de selección artificial para caracteres relacionados a la producción en el cultivo de alcachofa, por lo que el estudio de los efectos de un ciclo de selección masal y estimaciones de la heredabilidad sería útil para la planificación de estrategias de mejoramiento en esta especie. Las estimaciones de la importancia relativa de la variación genética y de la heredabilidad son fundamentales en la toma de decisiones en todas las etapas de los programas de mejoramiento. Una población segregante (C0) se formó de la hibridación de dos cultivares contrastantes multiplicados por semillas ‘Imperial Star’ y‘Estrella del Sur FCA’. Se evaluaron caracteres productivos y las plantas seleccionadas se hibridaron para conformar el ciclo C1. Esta población, junto con el C0, los progenitores, y la F1 se evaluaron para la obtención de la respuesta a la selección y la estimación de heredabilidad. La selección masal para incrementar el rendimiento y la precocidad fue parcialmente exitosa obteniéndose para el primer carácter un valor de heredabilidad estimada de 0,71 y un valor de 0,60 para el segundo. Para la mayoría de las características los valores observados para la heredabilidad (0,75; 0,61y 0,52 para peso del capítulo principal, rendimiento de mercado y altura del capítulo principal, respectivamente) en esta experiencia indican que una parte sustancial de la variación fenotípica observada es de carácter aditivo. Por lo tanto, la selección de estas características en materiales de alcachofa multiplicables por semilla en esta cruza será efectiva.

The evaluation of selection criteria using correlation coefficients, multiple regression and path analysis was carried out for a period of two years on forty pea genotypes. The correlation analysis revealed that grain yield had genotypic relationships with numbers of pods, seeds per plot, length of the internodes and plant height in 2007 and also with grain diameter, length and width of leaflets and number of nodes at the first pod in 2008. The highest positive direct effects in 2007 were length of the internodes (0.68), seeds per plot (0.38) and numbers of pods (0.26). Length leaflets exhibited a negative direct effect (-0.46). The highest positive indirect contribution of plant height mediated by length of the internodes was 0.50. The highest negative indirect contribution was pod length via length of the internodes (-0.35). In 2008, the highest positive direct effects were seeds per plot (0.67), width leaflets (0.33) and numbers of pods (0.25). Length leaflets presented the highest negative direct effect (-0.34). The indirect effects were observed via seeds per plot, length and width leaflets; therefore numbers of pods and seeds per plot can be used for indirect selection. The parameter estimated showed that number of pods and seeds, and pod length determined the yield during 2007 and number of pod and seeds, and grain diameter during 2008. The R² values for both models were 0.60 and 0.89 respectively. The number of pod and seeds per plot were the main components of seed yield, having the maximum direct effects on this trait. These results might be used as selection criteria in order to increase the selection efficiency in pea breeding programs.

El coeficiente de correlación, la regresión múltiple y el análisis de sendero se emplearon para determinar criterios selectivos utilizando durante dos años, 40 genotipos de arveja. El rendimiento se correlacionó genotípicamente con número de vainas, semillas/parcela, longitud del entrenudo y altura de planta en 2007 y también con diámetro de grano, largo y ancho de folíolo y número de nudos a primera vaina en 2008. Durante 2007 los rasgos que mostraron efectos positivos directos elevados fueron longitud de entrenudos (0,68), semillas/parcela (0,38) y número de vainas (0,26). La longitud del folíolo exhibió un efecto directo negativo (-0,46). La mayor contribución indirecta positiva fue la de altura de planta vía longitud de entrenudos (0,50) y la mayor contribución negativa indirecta fue longitud de vaina vía longitud de entrenudos (-0,35). Durante 2008, efectos positivos directos elevados fueron para semillas/parcela (0,67), ancho del folíolo (0,33) y número de vainas (0,25). La longitud de folíolo presentó el mayor efecto directo negativo (-0,34). Los efectos indirectos fueron observados vía semillas/parcela, longitud y ancho de folíolos, por lo que el número de vainas y semillas por parcela, pueden ser utilizadas para selección indirecta. La correlación múltiple mostró que el número de vainas y semillas y la longitud de la vaina determinaron el rendimiento durante el 2007 y el número de vainas y semillas y el diámetro del grano durante el 2008. Los valores de R² para los dos modelos fueron 0,60 y 0,89, respectivamente. El número de vainas y semillas por vaina fueron los principales componentes del rendimiento, teniendo máximos efectos directos sobre este carácter. Estos resultados podrían ser utilizados como criterios de selección a fin de aumentar la eficiencia en programas de mejora de arveja.

The inheritance of head color and tightness in globe artichoke was studied utilizing crosses between inbreed lines and between clones and self-pollinated clones from different genetic origins. These genetic materials were sowed in a completely randomized design with 20 plants per plot and genotype. Globe artichoke heads were classified into three colors (purple-green, purple and green) and three head tightness types (compact, fairly compact and soft) and the segregating ratios for these traits tested in each offspring using the chi-square test. Crosses between green and purple inbreed lines produced only purple-green heads but F2 generation segregated at a purple-green:purple:green ratio of 9:3:4. The self-pollinated compact head clones produced a compact head:fairly compact head:soft head ratio of 12:3:1. The remaining crosses between lines and among clones and backcrosses verified these ratios. These results suggest that two loci with a simple recessive epistasis are involved in the inheritance of head color and that two loci with simple dominant epistasis are involved in the expression of the different head tightness types. The inheritance models proposed here could be helpful in predicting the appearance of artichoke heads if breeders need to obtain hybrid seeds for a desirable phenotype.

The globe artichoke breeding programs should respond to the demands of both fresh and processed market requirements. This fact implies that a great number of characteristics have to be considered when selection is taking place, making necessary the aid of multivariate analysis. Two sets of S1 families were evaluated in order to know the contribution of these characters to the total variation and to identify homogeneous genotypes within a set of families. Twenty six vegetative and productive characters were evaluated in a single plant, in the experimental field of the Agronomy Faculty, Rosario National University, located in Zavalla (33º 01' S, 60º 53' W). Leaf length, leaf width, number and weight of secondary artichokes, height of the first artichoke, weight of the receptacle and harvest period yielding were the traits that best explained the total variation. Only 9 families were selected among the 30 S1 families. These are the most appropriate to continue the inbreeding process. Cluster analysis could be considered a valuable tool to make an early selection in this species.

El mejoramiento genético del alcaucil debe responder a las exigencias del mercado de consumo tanto en estado fresco como elaborado por lo que el proceso selectivo debe aplicarse simultáneamente sobre un gran número de caracteres; esto hace indispensable la utilización de técnicas estadísticas especiales. El propósito del presente trabajo fue identificar los genotipos más homogéneos dentro de distintos grupos de familias S1 y determinar la influencia de los diferentes caracteres sobre la variación total. Dos conjuntos de familias S1, provenientes del cruzamiento de diferentes clones; fueron implantados en el campo experimental de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias de la U.N.R. Se evaluaron 26 caracteres vegetativos y productivos en planta individual. Las técnicas de análisis multivariado determinaron que las variables largo y ancho de hoja, peso y número de capítulos secundarios, altura del capítulo principal, peso del fondo y días de cosecha son las que mejor explican la variación total. De las 30 familias S1 se destacaron, por medio del análisis multivariado, sólo 9 como las más promisorias para continuar con el proceso de endocría. El análisis de agrupamiento ha resultado una herramienta útil para realizar la selección temprana en esta especie.

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is an allogamous species where vegetative propagated cultivars are not suitable for seed multiplication due to their high heterozigous condition. To obtain homogeneous materials, the inbreeding process is necessary. Inbred lines could be used as cultivars or in hybrid combinations. The effect of one generation of selfing over vegetative and productive traits were evaluated. The Genetic Determination Coefficient was estimated in two different family structures. Two sets of S1 families were originated: one from crosses between clones and the other through open pollination of the same clones. These assays were implanted in the field, in Zavalla, Argentina. The vegetative and reproductive characters were evaluated in a single plant. The importance of the starting material to obtain lines with adequate agronomic performance was demonstrated: S1 families originated from half-sib plants presented a strong endogamic depression in the majority of the traits in comparison to those obtained from full-sibs. Although all characters manifested endogamic depression after one generation of selfing, a genetic variability still remained among sets, among families and plants within families. As a consequence, it could be possible to select elite plants to continue the inbreeding process or to be vegetatively propagated as clones.

El alcaucil (Cynara scolymus L.) es una especie alógama cuyos cultivares no son aptos para ser propagados a través de semillas debido a su elevada heterocigosis. Para obtener materiales genéticamente homogéneos es necesario producir líneas endocriadas que pueden ser utilizadas directamente u obtener híbridos a través de ellas. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron evaluar el efecto de una generación de endocría sobre los caracteres tanto vegetativos como productivos y determinar la existencia de variabilidad genética entre las familias S1 a través de la estimación del Grado de Determinación Génico (G.D.G.) en dos estructuras familiares diferentes. Se utilizaron 2 conjuntos de familias S1 provenientes uno de ellos de cruzamientos dirigidos entre clones y el otro por cruzamientos al azar de los mismos clones. Se evaluaron, en plantas individuales, caracteres productivos y vegetativos. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto la importancia del material de origen para la obtención de líneas con buen comportamiento agronómico. La generación S1 originada de plantas half-sibs no sería la más adecuada para la obtención de líneas ya que manifestaron una mayor depresión endogámica para la mayoría de los caracteres que las originadas de plantas full-sibs. Si bien los principales caracteres de interés selectivo manifestaron depresión endogámica, la variabilidad existente entre conjuntos, entre familias S1 y entre plantas dentro de familias permitiría elegir plantas individuales con buenas características agronómicas adecuadas para continuar el proceso de endocría o para ser propagadas clonalmente.

The materials of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) that growers have in use are imported by seed dealers and have been selected according to overseas markets requirements. With the aim of selecting proper parents to use in a breeding program, seven populations of Asparagus officinalis (P1 to P7), all rised as white asparagus, were tested during 1993 and 1994, at the Experimental Field of the Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias (Universidad Nacional de Rosario) placed in Zavalla, Santa Fe, Argentina. The evaluation was made on individual plant in a 40 days of harvest period. ANOVA and a cluster analysis were made. In order to improve total and marketable yield, P1, P2 and P3 should be used as females regarding that these ones also have high spear number. To improve spears weight and diameter as well as late production, P5 and P7 are recommended as males, but it should be considered that P5 has a better yield performance.

Los materiales de espárrago (Asparagus officinalis L.) utilizados hasta el momento por los productores son introducciones realizadas por las casas semilleras y han sido seleccionados para satisfacer requerimientos del mercado de los sitios de origen. El objetivo del siguiente trabajo es evaluar siete poblaciones de espárrago (P1 a P7), con el fin de seleccionar genitores adecuados de manera de recurrir a la hibridación de ellos para obtener materiales adaptados a los requerimientos locales. Las evaluaciones se hicieron sobre plantas individuales, separadas por sexos y manejadas como espárrago blanco, durante los años 1993 y 1994, en el campo experimental de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias (Universidad Nacional de Rosario), ubicado en Zavalla, provincia de Santa Fe. La evaluación se realizó sobre planta individual, durante un período de 40 días de cosecha y con los datos obtenidos se realizó un ANOVA y un análisis de agrupamiento. Para elegir progenitores femeninos con altos rendimientos y rendimiento de mercado se determinó que se deberá recurrir a las P1, P2 y P3, las cuales presentan también alto número de turiones. Para altos peso medio y diámetro de turión, así como producción tardía, son indicadas las P5 y P7 como genitores masculinos, teniendo en cuenta que, mientras la P7 presenta bajo rendimiento, la P5 aportaría mejores producciones.

Com o fim de estabelecer um método de seleção eficiente, a variabilidade de três populações de aspargo foi avaliada, definindo-se os componentes de rendimento mais importantes e analizando-se a sua evolução durante três anos de cultivo. Os componentes de rendimento, o coeficiente de variação (CV) e a proporção de plantas que contribuíram para 80% do rendimento total foram calculados. Plantas-elite foram selecionadas através do rendimento total e técnicas de agrupamento "cluster". A regressão múltipla mostrou que o número e o peso médio de turiões foram os componentes de rendimento mais importantes. Em todas as populações, o rendimento total e o número de turiões apresentaram os valores mais altos de coefíciente de variaçao, independentemente do sexo. No primeiro ano 69% das plantas contribuíram aos 80% do rendimento total, enquanto que no segundo e terceiro anos a contribuição foi de 57%. No final do terceiro ano 17 plantas (1.9%) foram selecionadas pelo rendimento total e 43 (4.8%) através da técnica deagrupamento. Recomenda-se selecioná-las pela massa média de turiões no primeiro ano, reduzindo em 68% a população inicial. No segundo ano a seleção seria feita pelo número de turiões, reduzindo a 5% as plantas que, no terceiro ano, serão avaliadas pelo rendimento total. Desse modo as plantas selecionadas são as mesmas, mas o número de plantas a avaliar no terceiro ano de cultivo é drasticamente reduzido, facilitando o trabalho do melhorista.

In order to establish an efficient selection criterion the variability in three asparagus populations was evaluated defining the most important yield components and analysing its evolution along three growing seasons. The yield components, coefficient of variation (CV) and the proportion of plants contributing to 80% of the total yield were estimated. The elite plants were selected by mean of total yield and clusters techniques. Multiple regression showed that spear number (SN) and spear weight (SW) were the most important yield components. In every population, total yield (TY) and SN showed the highest values of CV, independently of sex. 69% of the plants contributed to the 80% of the total yield in the first year while in the second and third year the contribution was 57%. At the end of the third year, 17 plants were selected by the average of the total yield and 43 by clusters. It is suggested to select for SW in the first year, reducing in 68% the experimental material. In the second year, the selection for SN would reduce to 5% the plants to evaluate for total yield in the third year. In this way the selected plants are the same but the number of plants to evaluate is dramatically reduced along the years, therefore facilitating the breeders work.