In Colombia, the highest cassava production comes from the semi-arid region of the Atlantic Coast with relatively low yield for fresh consumption (≤11 t/ha). Development of improved varieties is based on a plant ideotype which integrates a group of desirable traits independently measured in the field. However, selecting high performance genotypes for several traits simultaneously is a complex process. Sixteen genotypes were evaluated under four environmental conditions (localities) of the Colombian Caribbean region (Cereté, Carmen de Bolivar, Agustín Codazzi, and Sevilla), and two production cycles (2016/2017–2017/2018) in order to assess phenotypic expression of selected traits, their stability, and utility in genotype selection. Selection of promising genotypes should consider both their superiority and stability. Genotypes SM3106-14, GM1692-56, CM9456-12, and GM214-62 were selected based on their agronomic performance. In addition, frequency analysis of sensorial data showed that genotypes CM9456-12, SM1127-8, SM3553-27, and SM3562-32 were preferred by panelists who assessed, color, flavor, texture, and root shape. Determination of superiority through across-environments, multi-trait selection index allows identifying genotypes with superior performance. However, selection was improved when local multi-trait selection indices were included—phenotypic stability determination (through Lin and Binns index and AMMI model) supported an adequate selection of superior and stable cassava genotypes. The inclusion of palatability response and quality features determination in cassava genotypes can be recommended to identify genotypes with higher adoption rates by farmers and consumers.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of individual trees in mixed seed lots, its implications in genetic variability in future plantations, as well as, the estimation of their seed and germination genetic parameters in 14 individual plus tree seed lots of Tectona grandis L.f. from commercial plantations in Córdoba (Colombia). A sample of 100 seeds/lot was used to estimate allometric variables and physiological parameters. The germination percentage (GP) registered wide dispersion values from 0 to 40%, while the allometric parameters maximum with and length (MW, ML), and with/length ratio (WLR), presented low variation. Among physiological parameters significative genetic correlations with values r G ≥ 0.91** were registered. Meanwhile, genetic correlations among allometric parameters were also significative but with lower values, r G ≤ 0.53**. High mean family heritabilities (h 2 ) ≥ 0.87 were registered in all investigated traits. These results show the typical situations in seed programs therefore, this information is important for the proper constitution of commercial mixed seed lots. This knowledge contributes to the planning of genetic conservation and genetic variability in plantations, as well as to the management of germplasm production units.

La berenjena es una de las principales hortalizas de los departamentos de Córdoba y Sucre. El objetivo fue conocer las características de la comercialización en el Caribe colombiano e identificar grupos con posibilidades de éxito de cara a los acuerdos de libre comercio. El estudio se realizó mediante encuestas con opción de respuesta múltiple dirigida a 20 comercializadores mayoristas de berenjena, indagando características del comercializador, del producto, de su manejo y de la comercialización. Utilizando técnicas de análisis multivariado se identificaron cinco grupos de comercializadores que registran infraestructura y organización deficiente para el comercio del producto. El grupo I representa el 20% de los comercializadores, poseen escolaridad básica primaria y pierden entre el 5% y 10% del producto por mala conservación; el grupo II agrupa al 65%, combinan educación básica primaria y secundaria, pierden entre el 15% y 20% y conservan el producto en bolsas plásticas; el grupo III representa el 5%, presenta escolaridad básica primaria, desconoce la vida útil del fruto y sus pérdidas ascienden al 20%; el grupo IV está conformado por un 5%, tiene mayor escolaridad, conserva en refrigeración, sus pérdidas oscilan entre 10% y 15% y presenta deficiente control de calidad al adquirir el producto, finalmente, el grupo V (5%) presenta escolaridad básica secundaria y comercializa en un mismo día con pérdidas del 5%. Este trabajo permite concluir que el sistema de comercialización de la berenjena en la región caribe es heterogéneo y artesanal, que lo torna no competitivo en los mercados nacionales e internacionales especializados.

At the Mompox depression region, located in the lower valley of the Magdalena River, citrus trees and especially the orange cultivar Margaritera (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) are cultivated by small producers. The effects of the rainy season during 2010 and 2011 caused the loss of ca. 80% of the planted area in some municipalities. The main objective of this study was to select outstanding genotypes according to fruit quality attributes based on the Colombian Technical Standard NTC4086. This selection was carried out by collecting and characterizing 120 Margaritera orange genotypes represented by three clones: Margarita, Azucar and Criollo. The characterization was performed using 14 fruit descriptors regulated by the parameters of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute. Outstanding clones were chosen using a selection index based on attributes such as juice percentage and maturity index. The fruit characterization showed variability for all the descriptors evaluated, especially those related to size, weight and acidity (explained 51.76% of the total variability). Furthermore, these contributed mostly to comprise three phenotypic groups conformed by 79, 23 and 18 genotypes, respectively. Eight outstanding genotypes were selected for quality attributes: four Margarita clones, two Azucar clones and two Criollo clones; these became a source of guaranteed propagation material in the region.

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