Characterization of the genetic diversity in germplasm bank and natural populations of curaua (Ananas lucidus Smith)

Abstract

Curaua(Pineapple lucidus Smith) is a bromeliacea of the Brazilian flora that has been used for production of excellent quality fiber (high resistance, reduced weight) that has been used by automobile industries to make fabric confection used in the interior of the vehicles, such the Fox model of Wolkswagen. The production of polymeric composites and blankets not-fabric allows a better exploitation of the natural fiber, such as curaua and supplies new alternatives, of great technological importance, in the use of the vegetal biomass in the production of more compatible materials with the environment. Moreover, it is a source of substances of pharmacological importance, such as bromeline. Its foliar architecture and inflorescence/infrutescence also have esthetic values. The present work aims to contribute for the maintenance and use of curaua, supplying information on the genetic variability in germoplasm kept in FCA (UNESP-Botucatu) and natural populations. The genetic variability will be estimated based on the polymorphism found in microsatellite loci and by the counting of chromosome numbers from different accessions. (AU)