Selection of provenances and progenies of Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze for wood and seed production

Abstract

The genetic characterization and the prediction of genetic gain in a test of provenances and progenies of Araucaria angustifolia, was carried out aiming wood and seeds production. The test was established in 1980 in the block randomized design of compacted families, spacing 3.0 x 2.0 m, with 2 replicates, 12 provenances, 110 progenies and ten plants per plot. The evaluated traits were: DBH (diameter at breast height), ALT (total height), VOL (cylindrical volume), DMC (average crown diameter), ESP (bark thickness) and seed (pinhão) production traits. Estimates of the genetic parameters and the gain by selection were estimated using the REML/BLUP method. Significant genetic variation was observed between provenances for ALT, VOL, DMC e ESP, and progenies for VOL. The coefficient of individual genetic variation (CVgi) was higher for DBH and VOL (≥ 10.2%). Moreover, narrow-sense individual heritability (ha 2) varied from low (0.03) DMC to high magnitude (0.60) VOL. The strategy of selection of lower intensity (38%) based on DAP at age 32 was considered the most recommended because it maintains the highest level of genetic diversity (7.6%) and effective population size (55). The Irati-PR and Itapeva- SP provencances should be prioritized in the next cycles of breeding of the species since those presente better growth performance.