Genetic evaluation in progenies of <i>Myracrodruon urundeuva</i> Fr. All. in the Pantanal region, State of Mato Grosso - Brazil

Abstract

The goal of this study was to estimate parameters and genetic values in aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva) progenies for growth and survival traits. These estimates are intended to support the first genetic improvement program for the species in the Pantanal region of the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The adopted experimental design was the random blocks with 30 treatments (progenies), six replications (blocks) and six plants per plot
distributed in single rows with 3 x 2m allotment. When the progenies were two years old, they were evaluated for height, diameter at base height, number of leaf shoots and survival. The progenies mean heritability showed moderate magnitudes, especially regarding height (0.19) and number of leaf shoots (0.30). The genetic values predicted with sexual and asexual propagation indicate higher possibilities of genetic gains using clone  plantations. Even though most of the individuals from the present generation show superior performance than the former generation, genitors with potential above the others must be part of the seed orchard composition.