Variability among provenances and progenies of Caryocar brasiliense Camb.

This work aimed at studying the genetic variability in Caryocar brasiliense Camb. ("pequizeiro") provenances and progenies from several locations in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. Fruits were collected during two consecutive crop seasons (2007/2008 and 2008/2009) in nine Cerrado regions. Seeds from 111 progenies from these regions were sown in the nursery. The assessment of quantitative traits in the initial growth of the plants allowed to estimate genetic parameters. The results showed a wide variation in a number of traits, especially for height, probably caused by the heterogeneity in the seeds germination. The genetic variation among provenances should be better explored and quantified considering the distinctive environmental conditions of the geographical distribution of the species. The results also showed that it is possible to select high performance progenies and genotypes for genetic improvement programs. On the other hand, in terms of rational use of the genetic resources of this species and its 'in situ' conservation, the suggestion is to protect a large number of areas.