Estimates of genetic parameters and selection methods for genetic improvement of Pinus caribaea var. Hondurensis

The objective of this work was to study the genetic variability through progeny tests, and to determine the genetic gain through individual, combined and multieffect index selection in Pinus caribaea var, hondurensis. Two progeny tests were carried out in Tibagi, Parana State, Brazil, on September, 1988. Growth data and tree characteristics were assessed when progenies were five years old. The mean volumetric timber production was 0.09 1 m(3) per tree, To establish a seedling seed orchard (SSO), it should be selected tin the block) 190 trees (95 trees per provenance) with the greatest genetic gain diameter at boast height (DBH). Selection of these trees will allow and increase in the volumetric timber production, reaching 0.104 m(3) per tree (individual selection), 0.106 m(3) per tree (combined selection) and 0.106 m(3) per tree (multieffect index). To establish a clonal seed orchard (CSO), it should be selected, in the experiment, 30 trees (15 trees per provenance) with the greatest genetic gain in DBH. Volumetric timber production, will attain 0.113 m(3), 0.113 m(3) and 0.114 m(3) per tree, in the individual, combined and multieffect index selection, respectively.