Selection of Atlantic Forest species in South Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the growth potential of several Atlantic Forest species in South Bahia, displayed in high dense grid and select the best trees through selection indexes. The experiment was carried out in the Comissão Executiva do Plano da Lavoura Cacaueira (CEPLAC) located in the South of Bahia state, Brazil. A total of 44 Atlantic Forest species were tested with three replications with plot containing 36 individuals that were arranged in 2 × 2 m spacing. Experimental parameters indicated high variability among species to high density spacing, which is favorable to commercial pure stands practiced in the forestry sector. Statistical selection of native species was evaluated using selection indices based on volumetric production and survival traits. These indices allowed select species by their adaptation into the experimental region. The top two ranked species were Pterygota brasiliensis Allemão (Folheiro ou pau-rei) and Plathymenia reticulata Benth. (Vinhático), which adapted well to a tropical, humid, and rainy weather, such as the climate in South Bahia, Brazil. From this study, it was possible to subsidize the selection of ideal species and individuals for seed collection, indication of materials to assemble breeding populations, cloning, and orientate future studies in South Bahia state, Brazil.