Multivariate Analysis of Genetic Variability in Advanced Potato Clones Under Tropical Conditions

Potato is widely cultivated worldwide and is important for the food and nutrition security of the human population. Its genetic variability provides genetic resources in breeding programs. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the genetic variability of a panel of advanced potato clones based on morpho-agronomic characterization under tropical conditions. The experiment was conducted in the winter and summer seasons at the Center for Scientific and Technological Development of the Federal University of Lavras. A total of 141 clones from the potato breeding program and two commercial cultivars were evaluated. With the data obtained, the genetic variability was studied using Tocher clustering method, the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic mean and principal coordinate analysis. After selecting the most promising method, the groups were classified according to potential aptitude, and the kinship coefficients were estimated. The Tocher method best represented the dissimilarity between genotypes, forming 32 and 38 different groups in the winter and summer seasons, respectively. Low kinship coefficient values were observed for each aptitude type between groups. Thus, a wide genetic variability among the clones was identified, enabling the strategic management of the potato breeding program through stages of selection and crossbreeding based on the available germplasm knowledge.