ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic divergence among 31 varieties of grapevine from the Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Semiárido, considering characteristics of quality, important functional compounds and the antioxidant activity of the fruit. The following characteristics were evaluated in the fruit: soluble solids content (SS), titratable acidity (TA), the ratio of SS to TA, resistance of the fruit to compression, tannin content (dimer, oligomeric and polymeric), total extractable polyphenols, total anthocyanins, yellow flavonoids and antioxidant activity. The generalised Mahalanobis distance was used to quantify genetic divergence among the varieties. UPGMA and canonical variate analysis were employed as clustering methods. Genetic variability for phenolic compounds levels, determined using polymeric tannins, total extractable polyphenols and total anthocyanins, existing in varieties of grapevine from the Active Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Semiárido, allowed for the identification of divergent genotypes having a potential for use in future breeding programs aimed at improving functional properties.
Key words:
Vitis spp; Genetic resources; Genetic divergence; Phenotypic variation; Grapevine; Plant variation
