The characteristics of the clones used in the cultivation of cassava vary according to the commercial suitability of the culture, that is, both for industrial processing and 'in natura' human consumption. This study aimed to identify new cassava clones obtained by crossbreeding at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA) in 1998, with respect to this suitability. To this end an attempt was made to identify clones with molecular patterns similar to those displayed by commercial clones. The methodology used for the extraction of DNA and obtaining the banding patterns was the same as that recommended for the technique of microsatellite molecular markers. The molecular characterization of the cassava clones from UFLA stock and of commercial clones showed a similarity of distribution concentrated in two groups. One group consists of clones for human consumption 'in natura' Baiana, Casca-roxa and IAC 576-70, and of the stock clones UFLA 7, UFLA E, UFLA 22 and UFLA 55. The other group consists of clones for industrial processing FIBRA, IAC 12, IAC 13, IAC 14 and IAC 15, and of the stock clones UFLA 20, UFLA 33, UFLA 36 and UFLA 64. The commercial cultivar, Ouro-do-vale, and the clones UFLA 38 and UFLA 69 fitted well into either group, whether for consumption or industrial use, while the Pão-da-china clone (for consumption) grouped together with the industrial clones. Therefore the use of primers was sufficient to group those clones suitable for 'in natura' use but not those for industry.
Manihot esculenta; Grouping; Genetic markers
