Genetic diversity of acerola trees (Malphigia emarginata D.C.)

Knowledge of genetic variability and the relationship between different acerola accessions is important in order to maximise the use of genetic resources for future breeding programmes. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic divergence between acerola accessions using molecular markers and morpho-agronomic characteristics. The comparative cluster analysis revealed that the markers used associated with morpho-agronomic characteristics were efficient for discriminating between accessions and that there was potential genetic variability for the breeding programme and useful information such as the indication of promising accessions.