**6. References**


The influence of epigenetic factors in the phenotype of an organism and therefore in obtaining hybrids of *Heliconia* should be an issue to be raised. Characteristics of the transmissibility of an individual to other generations are not only linked to genes, the cell should be considered with its cytoplasm, mitochondria and genetic material carried in its structure, as well as the organism as a whole, and the complexity of the environment (Pearson, 2006). Another factor to be considered is the cytosine methylation of the genetic material, also responsible for gene silencing, causing changes in the phenotype, and according to most recent works can be passed to subsequent generations, thus causing

Routinely, new *Heliconia* species have been described and others have been included as synonyms on each revision of the genus or subgenus; but, there is still controversy among authors. This situation suggests the need for a careful review of this group, since the visual botanical identification, may lead to imprecise denomination for the species that are being

Although some diversity studies about the Heliconiaceae family have been undertaken in recent years, its classification remains opened, therefore, new genetic markers for the group are required to elucidate these classification issues. The results revealed that there was no repetition of genetic material among the cultivars and interspecific hybrids of *H. psittacorum* evaluated, indicating the necessity to use other regions that could provide potentially informative characters. In conclusion, the genetic diversity nuclear and chloroplast DNA regions observed to study in *Heliconia psittacorum* cultivars and interspecific hybrids, are information promising to be taken in account as a first step towards genetic improvement.

The authors thank the National Council of Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education (CAPES) for the scholarship of the first author, the BNB for the financial support, the Bem-Te-Vi Farm, the RECIFLORA association, researcher scientist Dr. Carlos E. F. de Castro Campinas Agronomic Institute (IAC) and trainees of the UFRPE Floriculture Laboratory.

Albert, B., A.Jonhson, J.Lewis, M.Raff, K.Roberts and P.Walter (2002) Molecular Biology of

Baldwin, B.G., M.J.Sanderson, J.M.Porter, M.F.Wojcichowiski, C.S.Campbell and M.J.

Evidence on Angiosperm Phylogeny. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 82: 247–277. Berry, F. and W.J.Kress (1991) Heliconia: An Identification Guide. Smithsonian Institution

Bruns, T.D., T.J.White and J.W.Taylor (1991) Fungal molecular systematics. Ann. Rev. Ecol.

Câmara, P.E.A.S. (2008) Developmental, phyilogenetic, taxonomic study on the moss genus Taxitelium Mitt. (Pylaisiadelphaceae). PhD Tesis, *University of Missouri*, St. Louis. Castro, C.E.F., C.Gonçalves and A.May (2007) Atualização da nomenclatura de espécies do

Donoghue (1995) The ITS Region of Nuclear Ribosomal DNA: A Valuable Source of

gênero *Heliconia* (Heliconiaceae). R. Bras. Hortic. Ornam. Campinas, Brazil. 13: 38–62.

The Cell, 4nd edn. Garland Publishing, New York, p.1661.

Press, Washington and London, p.334.

Sys. 22: 525–564.

greate genetic diversity among individuals of the same specie.

cultivated.

**5. Acknowledgements** 

**6. References** 


**Section 2** 

**Crop Production** 

