LAUSR

Abstract Interest in biodegradable products such as natural fibers for use in various industries is growing. These fibers are an inexpensive alternative with environmentally friendly appeal in comparison to other materials used. This article reports evaluation of the genetic variability of 13 pineapple genotypes to ascertain the use their fibers as mechanical reinforcement in composites applied in industry and analyzes possible association of 217 bands from 17 ISSR markers with fiber quality characteristics by nonparametric tests (Spearman correlation and Kruskal-Wallis). The study of genetic diversity, using qualitative and quantitative data, shows there are genotypes genetically close to curaua (a close relative of pineapple), whose fibers are already commonly used in the industry. Of the 217 ISSR bands, 11 were selected based on their high correlation (0.63434 * to 0.76169 ** ) regarding all four variables for fiber quality, enabling identification of a set of primers which can be used in early selection of promising genotypes after sequencing and validation. The possibility of using marker assisted selection in pineapple for fiber quality will bring great returns, not only for the industry, but also to ensure the sustainability of this productive sector. This is the first report of the use of nonparametric methods to analyze fiber quality of this plant.