Cupuaçu tree genotype selection for an agroforestry system environment in the Amazon

Abstract

The objective of this work was to select cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) tree progenies and individuals based on their agronomic traits, and, indirectly, to identify those adapted to an agroforestry system (AFS) environment in the Brazilian Amazon. For this purpose, 25 full-sib progenies were planted and tested in consortium with black pepper (Piper nigrum), banana (Musa spp.), and bacuri (Platonia insignis) trees. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design, with five replicates and three plants per plot, from 2005 to 2019. For the statistical analyses, the phenotypic averages for production and incidence of witches’ broom disease, evaluated during 11 harvests, were used. Superior progenies and individuals were identified using the mixed model methodology (REML/BLUP), which led to the selection of ten plants from five families with superior agronomic traits. Cupuaçu tree progenies 6, 36, 37, 49, and 52 are the ones that best adapt to the environment of a multispecies AFS in the Amazon region because of their agronomic traits under competitive conditions. Ten matrices show agronomic potential and indirect adaptation to the AFS and can be used as clonal cupuaçu cultivars in this environment.

Analysis of repeated measures data through mixed models: An application in Theobroma grandiflorum breeding

“…At this stage, T. grandiflorum reaches productive maturity, a behaviour that is usually observed at commercial orchards and was also perceived by Alves and Chaves (2023) and Alves et al. (2021).…”

Theobroma Grandiflorum Breeding Optimization Based on Repeatability, Stability and Adaptability Information

“…This is due to the low levels of correlation between the number of fruits and the average weight of fruits, that is, plants that produce heavy fruits and in large quantities are exceptions. The identification of these genotypes is essential for advancing the improvement of the species (Alves et al 2021). In this context, progenies 36, 37, 11, 5, 49, 23, 6, and 25 are the most suitable, as they stand out for both traits simultaneously.…”

“…Understanding stability and adaptability enables the identification of productive, stable, and adaptable genotypes (Silva et al, 2019). However, evaluating GE interaction is one of the most costly aspects of a breeding program (Dias et al, 2018), especially for perennial fruit trees such as T. grandiflorum, where the breeding cycle can last up to 15 years (Alves et al 2021). This may explain why studies on GE interaction in T. grandiflorum are extremely rare.…”

Theobroma grandiflorum breeding optimization based on repeatability, stability and adaptability information

“…This is due to the low levels of correlation between the number of fruits and the average weight of fruits, that is, plants that produce heavy fruits and in large quantities are exceptions. The identification of these genotypes is essential for advancing the improvement of the species [21]. In this context, progenies 36,37,11,5,49,23,6, and 25 are the most suitable, as they stand out for both traits simultaneously.…”

“…Understanding stability and adaptability enables the identification of productive, stable, and adaptable genotypes [19]. However, evaluating GE interaction is one of the most costly aspects of a breeding program [20], especially for perennial fruit trees such as T. grandiflorum, where the breeding cycle can last up to 15 years [21]. This may explain why studies on GE interaction in T. grandiflorum are extremely rare.…”