Characterization, dissimilarity and genetic parameters on cassava varieties

Although cassava plants present high productive potential, national productivity is low, especially in the north of Minas Gerais. Therefore, the evaluation and characterization of genotypes adapted to the north of Minas Gerais are important because it enables the selection of genotypes with agronomic potential for cultivation and the integration in breeding programs. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the most cultivated cassava varieties in the north of Minas Gerais, in order to obtain information of genetic parameters, correlations, dissimilarity and agronomic performance. For that, 54 morpho-agronomic traits were evaluated in 6 varieties in a randomized block design with four replications. For the dissimilarity study was performed the Tocher test and hierarchical dendrogram by the UPGMA method. There was genetic variability among the varieties and prevalence of genetic effects over the environmental ones for most evaluated features. The Vassourinha variety stood out with higher roots productivity being the most recommended for cultivation. The features, net photosynthesis and transpiration rate correlated with the root productivity, making them important for breeding programs. Three groups were formed by multivariate analysis, verifying that the crossing of variety Vassourinha with Amarelinhavarietie, Ass. E.N. or Sabará can enable obtaining high genetic variability progenies.