RESUMO.A análise conjunta de variáveis qualitativas e quantitativas tem sido apontada como ferramenta útil na estimativa da divergência genética entre os acessos de uma coleção de germoplasma. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos caracterizar uma coleção de germoplasma de tomateiro do grupo cereja, com base em descritores qualitativos e quantitativos e utilizar o algoritmo de Gower na quantificação da divergência genética. Estudaram-se 40 acessos de tomateiro cereja, cultivados em manejo orgânico nas condições de Seropédica, Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foram utilizados quatro descritores qualitativos relacionados aos frutos e nove descritores quantitativos. Os dados foram analisados de forma conjunta pelo algoritmo de Gower. Detectou-se variabilidade para coloração, formato e número de lóculos do fruto. A coloração vermelha foi observada em 25 acessos testados, registrando-se também a produção de frutos amarelos, laranjas e marrons. Para número de lóculos, foi registrada a ocorrência de frutos bi, tri, tetra e pluriloculares (com até sete lóculos). O método UPGMA foi o que obteve o maior coeficiente de correlação cofenética (0,80), observando-se a formação de sete grupos. Os grupos formados permitiram a distinção de frutos classificados como cereja e outros que não se adequaram a esta definição, por estarem acima do diâmetro equatorial proposto para esta classe.Palavras-chave: Solanum lycopersicum, análise multivariada, descritores qualitativos, descritores quantitativos, programa R.ABSTRACT. Using Gower's algorithm on the genetic divergence determination among cherry tomato accessions. The joint analysis of qualitative and quantitative variables has been considered a useful tool to estimate the genetic divergence among accessions of a gene bank. The purpose of this research was: (i) to characterize a collection of cherry tomatoes, using quantitative and qualitative descriptors, and (ii) to use Gower's algorithm to quantify genetic divergence among genotypes, employing a joint descriptors analysis. Forty accessions of organically grown cherry tomato were studied in Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Four qualitative fruit descriptors and nine qualitative descriptors were used. Data were analyzed using Gower's algorithm. There was variability for color, shape and number of locules per fruit. The red color was observed in fruits of 25 accessions. Fruit with different colors such as yellow, orange and brown were also observed. Regarding locule number, the presence of fruit with two, three, four and even with seven locules was detected. The UPGMA method resulted in the highest value for cophenetic correlation (0.80) and seven clusters were formed. The formed clusters made it possible to distinguish fruit classified as cherry tomato from other type grouped in different clusters, because the fruits this category were larger than cherry type considering the equatorial diameter of the fruit.

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Characteristics of bell pepper fruits affected by products with bactericidal actionMost technologies used for bell pepper production emphasize yields, shape and size of the fruits, with less attention to features such as flavor, nutritional value and toxic residue content. The objectives of the present work, accomplished in field and laboratory conditions, were to evaluate the effect of weekly sprayings of Agrobio biofertilizer (5%v.v.), copper oxychloride (2.4 g active ingredient L -

Effects of chemical and biological products on bacterial spot, microbial flora and yield in bell pepperThe effect of weekly sprayings with streptomycin sulfate + oxytetracycline (0.8 g ia L -1 ), copper oxychloride (2.4 g ia L -1 ) and Agrobio fertilizer (5%) plus a control (water) was evaluated in the control of bacterial spot, the microbial flora in the phyloplan, and over yield in three bell pepper cultivars (Magda, Cascadura Itaipu and Magali R). The study was carried out under field conditions from May to December 2002. A randomized complete block experimental design was used with four replications in a 4 x 3 factorial design. Weekly assessments were made for plant height (cm); number of stems; total number of leaves; number of fallen leaves; number of leaves with visible symptoms; damaged leaf area (severity), and yield (t ha -1 ). The microbial population resident in the phyloplan and fruits was quantified at the same time. There was no effect of treatments on yield, but an effect was observed on plant growth, on leaf spot and on the microbial flora. Copper oxychloride inhibited plant development, reduced number of fallen leaves and decreased the bacterial flora. Agrobio stimulated plant growth and, like streptomycin sulfate + oxytetracycline, inhibited the bacterial population, except Bacillus sp., and fungi, except Cladosporium sp. in the phyloplan. Among the genotypes, the hybrid Magali R was significantly superior in plant vigor, yield and resistance to bacterial spot. The results suggest bactericidal activity of the Agrobio under field conditions.

Results from the present work may provide information to help organic producers in the selection of the most promising cultivars for cultivation, taking into account consumers' and chefs' perceptions, as well as in the design of communication and marketing strategies.