Genetic selection Pinus greggii progeny to the establishment of seed orchards

Abstract

The main deterrent to the adoption of new species for operational plantations is the availability of  genetically improved seeds in sufficient amount to supply the  market. Therefore, this study was carried out with the objective to estimate genetic parameters for individual selection as a basis to transform the field trial into a seedling seed orchard. The trial contained forty seven half-sib families from five Mexican provenances, including northern and central Mexico sources. These were planted at Ponta Grossa, Paraná State, Brazil, in a
randomized complete block design with nine  replications of five-tree linear plots in a 3 m x 3 m spacing. Height, dbh (diameter at breast height) and stem form were assessed in thirteen-year old tree. Variance components were estimated by using SELEGEN-REML/BLUP software. Other procedures included prediction of breeding values and deviance analyses. The significant genetic variation among provenances as well as among and within families in all traits confirmed their high value. The southern Mexico sources showed the highest productivity. The expected progress in  improvement through just one cycle of selection was estimated in 21.6 % in wood volume.

doi: 10.4336/2010.pfb.30.62.107