Single and Multi-trait Genomic Prediction for agronomic traits in Euterpe edulis

Abstract

Popularly known as jucaizeiro, Euterpe edulis has been gaining prominence in the fruit growing sector and has demanded the development of superior genetic materials. As it is a native species and still little studied, the application of more sophisticated techniques can result in higher gains with less time. Until now, there are no studies that apply genomic prediction for this crop, especially in multi-trait analysis. In this sense, this study aimed to apply new methods and breeding techniques for the jucaizeiro, to optimize this breeding program through the application of genomic selection. This data consisted of 275 jucaizeiro genotypes from a population of Rio Novo do Sul-ES, Brazil. The genomic prediction was performed using the multi-trait (G-BLUP MT) and single-trait (G-BLUP ST) models and the selection of superior matrices was based on the selection index of Mulamba and Mock. Similar results for predictive ability were observed for both models. However, the G-BLUP ST model provided greater selection gains when compared to the G-BLUP MT. For this reason, the genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) from the G-BLUP ST were used to select the six superior genotypes (UFES.A.RN.390, UFES.A.RN.386, UFES.A.RN.080, UFES.A.RN.383, UFES.S.RN.098, and UFES.S.RN.093), to provide superior genetic materials for the development of seedlings and implantation of productive orchards, which will meet the demands of the productive, industrial and consumer market. Key messageIn the first genomic selection study for Euterpe edulis, substantial gains for multiple traits of fruit production was reported. This is a key factor for the sustainable use of the species in the Atlantic Forest.