Abstract

ESPITIA-RANGEL, Eduardo et al. Evaluation of the popping capacity of amaranth genotypes and genetic parameters. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2023, vol.14, n.6, e3429.  Epub Oct 30, 2023. ISSN 2007-0934.  https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v14i6.3429.

Currently, there is worldwide interest in taking advantage of the agronomic and nutritional characteristics of superfoods such as amaranth, in Mexico it is consumed popped so it is important to elucidate the factors that influence this capacity for its better use. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the popping capacity of 12 amaranth genotypes, genetic variability, heritability and the association of industrial quality variables with the popping volume. The experiment was conducted in the localities of Santa Lucía de Prías and Boyeros, State of Mexico and Cuapiaxtla, Tlaxcala in the years 2019 and 2020. The most outstanding genotype in popping volume was Tlahuicole, followed by AGIM, both had the largest increase (6 and 5.93), respectively. It was observed that the variation due to environmental effects was the main source in 4 of the 5 variables studied, such variation is not capitalizable in selection schemes; on the other hand, weight of one thousand grains was the variable that showed the highest variation due to genetic effects (65.96%), which is capitalizable in a selection scheme. The variables seed diameter, popping volume and volume increase presented a variation due to genetic effects between 4.46 and 6.5%, if there is intention to start a selection scheme, germplasm with greater variability in these traits must be included. The significant association between seed diameter and weight of non-popped seed indicates that these traits can be used as selection criteria for popping volume.

Keywords : Amaranthus; correlations; genetic variability; heritability; popping.