Genetic variability among Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Mart.) Pax. et K. Hoffm. mother trees in nursery conditions
Eder Ferreira Arriel, Rinaldo Cesar de Paula, Olaf Andreas Bakke, Nair Helena Castro Arriel, and Diércules Rodrigues dos Santos
The genetic variability among 36 Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus mother trees was estimated to select higher quality genotypes for seedling production. The experiment was structured in a randomized complete-block design with 36 open-pollinated families in four replications. Each plot consisted of four 280 cm3 plastic containers with one seedling each. Data of the seedling collar diameter (CD) and height, number of thorns cm-1 of the main vein of the leaf, and root (RDM), stem, leaf, aboveground and total dry matter were collected after six months. The seedling collar diameter and dry matter generally presented significant and high genetic correlations. The expected genetic gains resulting from the selection among families ranged from 7.91 to 23.48% to CD and RDM, respectively. Selection based on CD maximized the genetic gains (66.10%).