Overview of the teak silviculture in Brazil and perspectives for genetic improvement

Abstract

The teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) wood properties direct an intense process of domestication and plantation outside its original habitat. The interest in the species as an alternative for the traditional forest plantations in Brazil is growing. This review contributes with the recovery of technical and scientific information regarding teak aiming the subsequent proposition of a genetic breeding program. In this paper it is presented a brief review of the silvicultural methods for the species in Brazil. The positive perspectives and the main risks related to the teak plantation were explored. In  general, in the most recent genetic improvement  programs the employment of clones was a common strategy. The initial emphasis of the improvement programs were the growth rate and wood property (generally density). As for other species the proper choice of the selection methods resides in observing the genetic variances (additive and non-additive), herdability (broad and narrow), and the genetic correlations among characters. As in other forest  breeding programs the conversion of progeny tests in seedling seed orchards is common for a faster seed production and development of commercial clones
or clonal seed orchards.

doi: 10.4336/2010.pfb.30.63.217