Multicharacteristics for the Study of Diversity and Selection of Genotypes of Purslane (Portulaca umbraticola)

Abstract

The ornamental potential of Portulaca umbraticola Kunth. stems from variation in phenotypic characteristics, enabling the selection of genotypes with desirable characters for breeding. In this context, the aim of this work was to study the ornamental potential in purslane Kunth. and to select genotypes collected across the states of Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, and Paraíba, using the multi-characteristic genotype–ideotype distance index for simultaneous selection, comparing it with the Smith–Hazel index. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a completely randomized design, comprising 22 treatments with three replications. Evaluations were performed 40 days after planting, at full flowering stage, and ten quantitative traits were measured. The dataset was then submitted to multivariate analysis to emphasize distinctions among the genotypes. The P. umbraticola genotypes were classified into three distinct groups, indicating genetic variability for the phenotypic traits assessed. Accessions AC16 and AC19 combined favorable traits associated with ornamental value, making them promising candidates for further selection and evaluation. Future studies should evaluate their combining ability and hybrid performance to support the development of superior ornamental cultivars. The genotypes AC16 and AC19 exhibited ornamental potential and are recommended for selection based on multivariate criteria to support the ongoing purslane breeding program.