Phenotyping and genotyping a Coffea canephora population, cultivated at high altitude, aiming at a GWS program for coffee.

Significant advances recently occurred in Coffea canephora research, such as the completion of its full genome sequencing. The information generated can be used in advanced molecular approaches for genetic improvement, like genome-wide selection programs (GWS). The purpose of this study was the phenotyping and genotyping of 403 C. canephora individuals cultivated at Cerrado climatic conditions characterized by a relatively high altitude (>1000m) and a long dry season. Phenotypic evaluations started in 2012 with the measurement of several agronomical traits such as vigor, secondary branching, leaf-rust susceptibility and precocity of fruit maturation. Production (evaluated in fruit liters) of each plant was also measured during two consecutive years (2012 and 2013), along with a detailed classification of fruits harvested in 2012 (bean size, weight, defects and sieve). In addition, predawn-leaf water potentials (?pd) were evaluated during the dry season of 2013. Furthermore, genotyping by sequencing (GBS) of 403 plants was performed using the nextRAD methodology, while genetic analyzes were done through Cervus and Adegenet softwares. Results obtained allowed to conclude there is a great potential for cultivation of C. canephora selected clones under irrigated conditions at high altitudes. The phenotypic and genotypic diversities studied with our population also seems suitable for GWS studies in coffee.PB235