CARACTERIZAÇÃO E DIVERGÊNCIA GENÉTICA DA BATATA-DOCE POR MEIO DE MARCADORES MORFOLÓGICOS

Aiming the characterization of genotypes and estimate the genetic divergence through morphological markers of the sweet-potato, an experiment was developed, in the year 2007, in the municipality of Junqueiro, in the Alagoas State, composed of nine clones and two local varieties, in the randomized complete block design with three replications. Were evaluated fourteen characteristics of the aerial part and seven of the roots through morphological descriptors. For the assessment of genetic divergence was used the methodology of the principal components made by the group and the methodology of Tocher. It was wide phenotypic variability among genotypes based on morphological markers. The results showed that the first three components of the variables of aerial part explain 77.08% and in the first two components of the root system of variables explain 72.13% of the variability exists. Six groups were formed, being that group I restrained three genotypes, the groups II, III and IV have been formed by two genotypes each, and the groups V and VI contain a genotype each. The results indicate; using the two methodologies, have wide phenotypic and genotypic variation among genotypes of sweet potato-based on morphological descriptors, indicating prospects for the breeding program of this culture.