The objective of this work was to estimate the genetic variability in two recurrent selection cycles of the yellow passion flower (Passiflora edulis), and to evaluate the impact of selection on the progenies selected via changes in allele frequency, detected by microsatellite markers. Twenty-three microsatellites were used for genotyping 66 full-siblings. Allele frequency, expected (He) and observed (Ho) heterozygosity, polymorphic information content (PIC) and inbreeding coefficient (f) were estimated. Thirty-two alleles were found in these populations, of which only two were lost during selection. The average number of alleles per locus was 2.46 in the first cycle, and 2.30 in the second. The differences in allele frequencies in the two cycles were not significant. The mean He in the first cycle was 0.20 per locus, slightly higher than Ho (0.15). In the second selection cycle, the mean value of Ho was lower than of He, with an average of 0.12. The mean values of f increased in the second selection cycle, from 0.26 to 0.32. Most of the loci showed negative values of f, which suggests high levels of heterozygosity. The mean value of PIC decreased from 0.18 to 0.16 in the second cycle. There were small losses of variability and changes in allele frequencies; however, these variations can be considered normal when selection is practiced.
Passiflora edulis; breeding; genetic variability
