Selection methods to optimize the gain and genetic diversity in Pinus caribaea var. caribaea.

We estimated genetic parameters of two Pinus caribaea var. caribaea progeny tests based on growth traits aiming at the identification of the best selection strategy. This study was conducted in two progeny tests located in Selvíria (MS), Brazil. Tests were set up in block design, one with 76 progenies (area 1) and the other with 99 progenies (area 2). Genetic parameters were estimated using the SELEGEN software through REML/BLUP method. To estimate the genetic gain through selection, four selection methods and ten selection intensities were tested. The intensity of selection that maximizes genetic gain and genetic diversity was calculated by the optimization point. Significant variation was observed between and with progeny for all traits in area 2 and only within plots for height in area 1. Higher values of heritability were observed in area 1. Considering the optimization of selection, the best selection method for both areas was the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]