The quantification of the genetic divergence among accessions in a germplasm bank, based on descriptors for characterization, allows us to indicate promising parentals that can be used in breeding programs. In order to study the genetic divergence, multivariate analysis, including cluster methods has been used. The genetic divergence among tomato accessions was characterized and quantified, using cluster analysis. The experiment was carried out in 2001, in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, in field conditions. A randomized block design was used, with 70 accessions, three replications and 16 plants per plot. Twenty characterization and five evaluation descriptors were considered. There was significant difference among accessions for total number of fruits, total weight of fruits, mean number of fruits, mean weight of fruits, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of days for germination, days for fruit set, number of flowers per inflorescence, solid solubles, number of locules and days for flowering indicating the presence of genetic variability among accessions. Nearest neighbor method detected two groups, based on number of days for germination. Group 1 was formed by accessions with germination in 10 days while group 2 included accessions that germinated in seven days. Subgrouping from groups 1 and 2 detected seven and five subgroups for each group, respectively. Based on Tocher Method, ten groups were formed with agreement between Tocher and Nearest Neighbor.
Lycopersicon esculentum; multivariate analysis; germplasm characterization; genetic resources; pre-breeding
