Genetic variability in progenies of Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden for resistance to Puccinia psidii

Abstract

This study investigated the genetic variability in progenies of Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden for resistance against rust (Puccinia psidii). Field experiments were installed in two regions with different soil-climatic conditions. Open-pollinated progenies were established in a randomized complete block design. Sixty and 48 progenies were evaluated under field conditions at two sites, respectively, with six replications and eight trees per plot. In another experiment in a controlled environment, 53 progenies were evaluated in randomized blocks with six replications and nine plants per plot. The following traits were evaluated: plant height, severity of pest attack and the most susceptible stage to the leaf disease. The genetic variability for rust resistance in the E. dunnii population under study was high, with a genetic coefficient of variation of 36.07%; 7% of the evaluated progenies were rust-resistant. It indicates a high potential for selection and breeding of the species.

Keywords

• Eucalyptus
• genetic parameters
• progeny testing
• forest breeding