Recombination orchard of Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arráb. ex Steud.: Quantitative genetics, grafting and pollen management
Kethlin de Carvalho Santos Romão, Paulo Henrique Müller da Silva, Daniel Piotto, Samir Rolim, Lílian Alves Carvalho Reis, Laura Vicente Guimarães and Andrei Caíque Pires Nunes
Abstract: Recombination orchards facilitate superior tree genotypes crossings and improved seed production. In this study we aimed to a) investigate genetic parameters in a progeny test of Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arráb. ex Steud.; b) establish a clonal recombination orchard using grafting of the selected trees by genetic values; and c) carry out pollen collection and processing. A provenance and progeny test was conducted and evaluated at nine years of age for growth traits. Quantitative genetic parameters were estimated, and superior genotypes were selected and preserved through grafting. Grafted plants were monitored, and pollen collection techniques were tested. The best 10 ranked individuals reached up to 33 m3 ha-1 year-1 MAI yield, with gains up to 55%. The grafting success rate reached up to 70% and pollen management was effective. Forest breeding programs for timber species like C. trichotoma were optimized by refining grafting and controlled pollination methods, making genetic recombination viable.