Genetics evaluation of minicuttings rooting of Eucalyptus cloeziana provenance

Abstract

Cloning of superior genotypes is presented as an alternative to increase forest productivity, because it allows capturing the genetic gains (additives and non-additives) from forest breeding. Early selection based on characteristics related to adventitious rooting may be important for breeding programs for recalcitrant species, like Eucalyptus cloeziana F. Muell. The objective of this work was to perform the genetic evaluation of E. cloeziana individuals based on adventitious rooting. The genetic control of adventitious rooting of 52 E. cloeziana trees was analyzed by variance components estimation and predicts breeding values. We used REML/BLUP procedure (estimation of variance components - Reml and prediction of breeding values - Blub). The variables were analyzed using univariate mixed linear model. The results showed high degree of genetic control for adventitious rooting (accuracy > 0.85). The genotypes showed high genotypic coefficient of variation (65.8% to adventitious rooting). Genetic correlation estimates showed negative association (- 0.299) between adventitious rooting and callus presence in the cuttings. The differences observed among E. cloeziana genotypes allowed its grouping into two groups. The results indicate the possibility of using adventitious rooting as selection criteria in E. cloeziana breeding programs.