Urochloa spp. multivariate performance: Similarities and divergences among intra‐ and interspecific populations

Multivariate analysis is a tool that breeders can use to compare populations and select genotypes for specific purposes. This study used principal component analysis to compare three intraspecific and three interspecific populations of Urochloa spp. based on insect resistance, agronomic, and seed production characteristics. This multivariate strategy exposed completely different profiles and important differences among these populations despite their close genomic ancestry. In general, interspecific populations had greater variability than intraspecific populations for agronomic traits, seed production, and spittlebug resistance. Consequently, crosses among different species, whenever possible, are a better option to obtain new Urochloa breeding populations. However, the breeding of intraspecific populations is also an excellent option to improve specific traits related to each species, which can then be used to speed the breeding in the interspecific programs. Multivariate analysis demonstrated substantial variability within progenies of the interspecific Urochloa populations that can be used to improve insect resistance and productivity of tropical pastures.