Genetic variability of the germplasm collection cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) of Bolivia)

Milton Pinto Porcel; Wilfredo Rojas

Abstract

In order to promote the use of Bolivian Cañahua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) a genetic variability study was performed including agromorphologic characterization and behavior assessment of 744 lines. This activity was developed in the Quipaquipani Research Center belonging to the PROINPA Foundation. To determine natural patterns of genetic variation, the discrimination degree from the analyzed variables and to identify groups of different genetic variability, two univariate techniques (simple correlation, frequency analysis) and five multivariate techniques were applied to 17 quantitative variables and 7 qualitative variables. Results showed a wide genetic variability for phenologic cycle, plant size, leaf cover, yields and harvest indexes. The simple correlation analysis identified agromorphological variables that are yield components and that make easier selection processes. The analysis classified cañahua entries in three groups and seven sub-groups. Subgroups SG1, SG22 and SG31 are composed by 445 entries and assembly cañahuas of the Lasta type, late cycle and good chaff and grain yields that can be used for seed and forage; Sub-groups SG4 and SG5 are composed by 73 entries of wild cañahua thanks to the early cycle, short size and wide leaf cover that can be used as natural cover in degraded soils; and Sub-groups SG6 and SG7 composed by 226 entries of Saihua cañahua type desirable for manual and mechanized harvests due to its morphologic characteristics: tall plants and narrow leaf cover.