Genetic diversity of Stylosanthes spp. accessions evaluated in different environments

Abstract An alternative to optimize the sustainability of animal production in the Brazilian semiarid region is the use of native forage species, such as the genus Stylosanthes Sw. standing out for its genetic potential for adaptation to edaphoclimatic conditions and dry matter production. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate 16 accessions of Stylosanthes spp. from the Forage Germplasm Bank of the State University of Feira de Santana, Bahia (FGB-UEFS) using 17 quantitative morphoagronomic descriptors related to plant height, vegetative structures, and biomass production. The experiment was conducted between May and September 2023 in two environments (Xique-Xique, Bahia, and Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil). A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used. The data were subjected to uni- and multivariate analyses to estimate the genetic parameters. A significant genotype × environment interaction was detected, and the genetic parameter estimates indicated potential for selection based on most descriptors under the conditions evaluated. Two groups were formed in both locations, with one group composed of all accessions and the other consisting exclusively of the Bela cultivar. The accessions BGF 014-095P118-1, BGF 014-P99, and BGF 012-026 stood highest in terms of selection gains for several descriptors. Overall, these preliminary results indicate genetic variability among Stylosanthes spp. accessions conserved in the FGB-UEFS and suggest their potential for use in breeding programs through the selection of morphoagronomic traits. However, these findings are limited to the experimental conditions and require further evaluation across additional environments and growing seasons.