Selection of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) genotypes using GMDA: Software for genetic and morphometric data analyses
Valdir Marcos Stefenon, Tales Poletto, Gabriel M Girardello and Peggy N Thalmayr
Abstract: In Brazil, pecan orchards are dominated by a few cultivars, highlighting the need to develop genotypes better adapted to the country’s specific conditions. Old, seed-derived pecan genotypes harbor significant genetic variability and may represent an important source of desirable traits for breeding. The selection of promising genotypes should be based on a combination of genetic and morphometric data. This study reports the evaluation of pecan genotypes using data from SSR markers and nut morphometric traits. It also introduces GMDA, software designed to support germplasm characterization and selection. Results revealed high allelic diversity (A = 12.3) but low genetic diversity (Ho = 0.29) among genotypes. Fruit size and shell proportion were the main traits differentiating the genotypes. Nine genotypes were identified as having potential for registration as new cultivars. By integrating and correlating genetic and morphometric analyses within a single platform, GMDA arises as an effective tool supporting breeding and conservation.