Selection of superior hybrid Eucalyptus “urograndis” clones through genotype × environment analysis

Abstract

The success of Eucalyptus cultivation in Brazil is partly due to the adaptation of its species to the different environmental and edaphic conditions present in the country. To improve performance, one must consider the interaction of individuals with the environment in which they are planted, since productivity can be maximized by choosing clones that are better adapted to certain environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to verify the effects of genotype x environment interaction and assess the possibility of recommending genetic materials for the evaluated environmental conditions. These interactions were assessed using the harmonic mean of the relative performance of genotypic values and GGE biplot methods, so as to rank the best clones in each location and across all locations. We found low levels of variation between genotypes, resulting in low heritability and coefficients of variation, and the existence of GxE interaction. The influence of the environment on the genotypic variation of the clones was very clear in the evaluated tests. Methods such as GxE analysis are important and advantageous for tree breeding programs and success in the forest sector, since it enables the evaluation and definition of which genetic materials can be considered more suitable for different conditions and the potential gains of the studied traits.