Principal component analysis for the selection of sunflower genotypes in 4 environments of the Cerrado of the Central Plateau

The genetic improvement of sunflower is essential for the selection of adapted genotypes and the expansion of the crop. The aim of this study was to select adapted genotypes using morpho-agronomic characteristics, by means of principal component analysis (PCA), in four environments in the Cerrado of the Central Plateau. The experimental design used was a randomized block design with four replications, evaluating 8 sunflower genotypes in four Cerrado environments, at Embrapa Cerrados (CPAC), at the Plant Genetics Innovation Center (CIGV), at the experimental farm of the University of Brasilia (UnB), and in Cristalina-GO (CRIST). The following characteristics were evaluated: plant height, chapter diameter, grain yield and weight of a thousand achenes. The data obtained was submitted to the R program, a multivariate analysis was carried out using the PCA method and the means were grouped using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The results of the PCA for the environments in relation to the morpho-agronomic characteristics show that the correlations between the variables indicated the existence of significant interactions between them. Among the genotypes, SYN 045 stood out in all the environments for yield, and for almost all of them for height, showing genetic superiority. The BRS G323, G57 and G46 genotypes also stood out in terms of height and weight of a thousand achenes, especially in the CIVGV, UnB and CRIST environments. The genotypes evaluated showed wide genetic variability, establishing their potential for integration into sunflower breeding programs. The most outstanding genotypes were SYN 045, BRS G323 and G57.