Silvicultural performance and early selection of clones from eucalyptus hybrids

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic variability and silvicultural performance of clones from interspecific hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla, E. globulus, E. maidenii, E. saligna, E. grandis, E. pellita, E. resinifera, E. kirtoniana and E. dunnii, and to determine the feasibility of early selection in selecting superior clones. The stem diameter at breast height at three (DAP3) and seven years (DAP7) and the total tree height at seven years were evaluated. A randomized complete block design, with138 clones, ten replicates and six plants per plot was used. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and clustered by the k‑means method; the means were compared, and the Pearson correlation (r) was determined between variables. Clustering validation was performed using analysis of variance and Tukey’s test. Clones of interspecific Eucalyptus hybrids showed genetic variability. Five groups of clones were established based on their silvicultural performance (DAP3, DAP7 and height). The DAP3 is highly correlated to DAP7 and height at seven years. The selection based on DAP3 can be used to identify superior clones of Eucalyptus with good growth vigor.