Genetic evaluation of Hevea brasiliensis [(Willd ex Adr. de Juss.) Müell. Arg.] for juvenile vigour using the Reml/Blup method
Costa, Reginaldo Brito da C.; Resende, Marcos Deon V. de; Gonçalves, Paulo de Souza; Rego, Flávio Luiz H.; Contini, Adriana Zanirato; Roa, Raul Alffonso R.
FLORAM, vol.12, n2, p.8-14, 2005
Resumo
This paper intended to estimate genetic values and parameters for plant height, diameter at the base of the plant and leaf-storey number of rubber tree [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd ex Adr. de Juss.) Müell. Arg.] halfsib progenies using the mixed-model methodology (Reml/Blup procedure). The rubber tree progenies were obtained from a second generation population produced from the recombination of 30 original parents, pertaining to the Instituto Agronômico de Campinas (IAC) in São Paulo state. At the age of eight months the variables were evaluated. Results demonstrated the existence of significant genetic variability among the progenies for the studied traits. The estimates of the heritability coefficient showed moderate values for both height and leaf-storey number, and low values for plant diameter at the base of the plant. There are good possibilities of genetic gain for these main traits in the context of the improvement program that was started in Mato Grosso do Sul state.
Palavras-chave
Rubber Tree, Reml/Blup method, genetic parameters