Genetic selection in Eucalyptus camaldulensis progenies in savanna area of Mato Grosso State, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate parameters, correlations and genetic gain for growth and shape traits in a progeny trial using Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Central Brazil. When it was three years old, progenies were evaluated for the following traits: total height (ALTT), commercial height (ALTC), diameter at breast height (DAP) and stem form (FF). Deviance analysis detected significant differences for ALTC, DAP and FF. Estimates of individual heritability showed low magnitude for ALTT (0.10) and DAP (0.16). However, ALTC (0.18) and FF (0.25), showed median to high magnitude values. Individual genetic variation coefficients (CVgi%), ranged from 8.59% (FF) to 15.91% (ALTC). Predicted phenotypic and genetic correlations were positive and of high magnitude between ALTT and ALTC (0.80 and 0.82) as well as between ALTT and DAP (0.85 and 0.86), indicating that indirect selection can be used for these associations. Individual selection showed to be superior when compared to selection between and within. Found values indicated perspectives of genetic progress with selection based on the evaluated characters.