Growth and Wood Quality Traits in aDipteryx alataVog. (Fabaceae) Progeny and Provenance Test

Abstract

Dipteryx alata Vog. presents an excellent economic potential because of its multiple uses. However, it is currently threatened as a result of the degradation of the biome in which it occurs, the Brazilian Cerrado. Therefore, our goal was to provide subsidies for future breeding and ex situ conservation programs of D. alata. We evaluated genetic variation in growth, stem form, and wood quality traits in a progeny and provenance test planted in a random complete block design. The traits were measured in 37-year-old trees. Significant effect for provenance was obtained for all evaluated traits except bifurcation, but progeny effect was significant only for acoustic wave velocity (AWV). The estimates of individual narrow sense heritability were of low magnitude for all traits except AWV (0.24 ± 0.09). Eleven groups were formed based on Mahalanobis genetic distance with 83.1% of progenies allocated to one group. Dipteryx alata has genetic variability between progenies and provenances that can be explored to obtain genetic gain, especially for AWV. We also recommend the use of multi-trait selection index to obtain gains for both growth and wood quality traits. Controlled pollination between individuals from different progeny groups would increase variability in next generation breeding. Study Implications Dipteryx alata is a tree species that presents multiple uses and is threatened as a result of the devastation of the Brazilian Cerrado. We evaluated genetic variation in growth, stem form, and wood quality traits in a progeny and provenance test planted 37 years ago. We found genetic differences among progenies only for the wood quality trait, which can be explored to obtain genetic gains. The test is better suited for ex situ conservation, and the infusion of novel sources of germplasm is necessary for future generations of breeding.

A Reevaluation of Superior Tree Performance After 48 Years for a Loblolly Pine Progeny Test in Southern Arkansas

“…However, these successes do not mean that there have not been failures, or at least undesired outcomes. As examples, there are often negative correlations between families chosen for fast volume growth and other desired wood quality properties such as high stiffness and strength (e.g., Martin et al, 2001;Apiolaza, 2008;Santos et al, 2021). Even the successful deployment of improved, shortrotation southern pine plantations has come with significant and often negative social and environmental consequences following the widespread conversion of natural-origin pine, pinehardwood, and hardwood forests Greis, 2002, 2013;McGrath et al, 2004).…”