Genetic Parameters in the Initial Phase of Collaborative Plant Breeding in Lima-Beans (Phaseolus lunatus)

Participatory genetic improvement is a component of the management of genetic diversity, aiming at the systematic inclusion of farmers' knowledge, skills, experiences, practices and preferences. This modality of improvement is based on the knowledge of conventional genetics, physiology and economics, combined with those of anthropology, sociology, knowledge of the producers and with the principles of product development. The development of participatory strategies in the improvement of different crop species in the farmers field involves some fundamental aspects such as: rescue of different species and of different varieties within each species, valorization of local varieties, development of new varieties, valorization of cultural aspects and nutrition, agroecosystem management, agro-ecological crop systems, adaptation to the local environment with increased production from participatory improvement. Initially a search was made for communities in the forest area of ​​Pernambuco, Brazil, which preserve, store and use native varieties. After the identification of the localities contemplated. The seeds were obtained in the municipality of Lagoa de Itaenga. The proposal was submitted to farmers living in the Marrecos community. At the same time, the importance of the conservation of local cultivars, the maintenance of the genetic identity of these genotypes, the importance of the isolation of the cultures, mainly the Creole ones and the practice of the participatory improvement were also treated. In addition, seed samples were collected and stored by the farmers, for later implantation of the germplasm bank (in vivo) at the Federal Institute of Pernambuco. At the time of collection, the forms of storage adopted by farmers were observed, being of great relevance for the guarantee of the genetic reserves of the crops. The experiments were conducted in a phyto-bacteriology laboratory and in a greenhouse of the Department of Agriculture of the Federal Institute of Pernambuco (IFPE) in Vitória de Santo Antão-PE. The plants were cultivated in the field in an organic cultivation system. The results showed that there is genetic divergence, based on agro-morphological markers, among fava varieties studied as a function of germplasm origin. Thus, samples from the Germplasm Collection of IFPE-Camps Vitoria correspond to different materials. The existence of genetic divergence among the varieties indicates the possibility of selection of superior genotypes. The evaluated characteristics present high potential to differentiate the genotypes and should serve as parameters for other studies.