Estimates of genetic parameters of pigments and agronomic traits in green and purple lettuce

Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos para pigmentos e caracteres agronômicos em alface verde versus roxa

ABSTRACT

Understanding genetics and the gene interactions involved in the expression of certain characteristics becomes a determining factor for better exploration of its use. The development of breeding programs that combine one or more desirable trait into a single cultivar is directly impacted by this lack of knowledge of the genetic bases involved. The objective of the present study was to estimate the genetic parameters involved in pigment expression and agronomic characteristics in lettuce. Parental evaluations of lettuce, P₁ (green) and P₂ (purple) parental generations, the segregating generations F₁ and F₂, and the backcrosses Bc₁ and Bc₂ originating from the UFU-Crespa199#1#1 x UFU-Albina#2 crossing were evaluated. The chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents, number of leaves and plant diameter were evaluated. The study was conducted by testing all generations and the estimates obtained by averages and variances. Indications of polygenic or oligogenic inheritance were verified by the characteristic number of leaves, plant diameter, and anthocyanin content. The complete and additive-dominant models satisfactorily explained the performance of the variables, except the anthocyanin content.

Index terms:
Anthocyanin; genetic interactions; segregating generations.