Genetic evaluation of rubber tree half-sib progenies in different regions of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the genetic potential of half-sib progenies of rubber tree [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr. de Juss.) Müll. Arg.] in three different locations of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. For the study, progenies of 22 genotypes were obtained from a base population of Malaysia. Yield and vigour expressed by three tapping tests and four annual girth increment, respectively, were the studied characters. The results of the analysis show that in each individual yield test and annual girth increment, evaluation for each location, similar genetic variation were detected among progenies for both characters. In the combined analysis, genetic variations were detected among progenies for annual girth increment. The effect of locations was significant for all locations. Progenies x locations interaction was significant for the last three girth annual increments, which reflected on the reduction of the heritabilities and, therefore, on selection for localities. The strict sense heritabilities at plant level were similar to those obtained within the progenies. These heritabilities were lower than those obtained at mean progeny level for both characteristics. The genetic gain estimates for selection among and within progeny showed considerable genetic advances revealing the possibility of successful selection within each trial.