ABSTRACT Tree breeders are prioritizing the increase of the interspecific diversity in the breeding programs due to the pronounced environmental changes, and expansion of the forest frontier to less productive areas. In this scenario, there is a growing interest for species of the genus Corymbia due to their good growth, resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, and industrial properties. Also, Corymbia spp. can cross with each other, generating interspecific hybrids. However, there are great difficulties on defining the best crosses. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the genetic variability of 64 progenies of Corymbia maculata and 64 progenies of Corymbia torelliana and to use the GGE biplot method to point the most appropriated crosses to broad and specific environments in order to generate stable and productive interspecific hybrids of C. maculata and C. torelliana. The GGE biplot was an efficient method for evaluating the genetic variability between progenies, for visualizing the genotype by environment interaction pattern and for identifying the best crosses in order to generate interspecific hybrids of the species. By adopting a selection intensity of 10%, the recommended progenies to generate interspecific hybrids for the Aracruz municipality (ARA) were 10, 40, 49, 64, 20, 9 and 47 of C. maculata and 24, 56, 41, 64, 43, 31 and 12 of C. torelliana. For Três Lagoas municipality (TLA), the recommended progenies were 11, 17, 1, 48, 7, 63 and 21 of C. maculata and 42, 46, 61, 44, 10, 63 and 28 of C. torelliana.

RESUMO A exploração florestal é conduzida em milhares de hectares e apresenta ampla variação nas condições ambientais em termos de solo, clima e até mesmo manejo, assim, identificar clones que possam ser recomendados para essas diversas condições é um grande desafio. Nesta recomendação, um caráter importante é o incremento médio anual em celulose (IMACEL). Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a interação de diferentes clones e ambientes para o IMACEL com a finalidade de verificar se a origem da seleção dos clones afeta seu desempenho em outras regiões e identificar clones com base na adaptabilidade. Foram utilizados dados de IMACEL referente à avaliação de clones de Eucalyptus da empresa Suzano S.A. em cinco ambientes, nos estados do Espírito Santo, São Paulo e Mato Grosso do Sul. Os testes clonais foram instalados no delineamento de blocos casualizados com parcelas de uma planta. Dados referentes ao IMACEL das árvores, aos cinco anos, foram submetidos à análise de variância por ambiente e, posteriormente, à análise conjunta. A interação clones x ambientes foi expressiva para o IMACEL, porém, a origem de seleção dos clones não afeta o seu desempenho quando utilizados em outras regiões. Alguns clones se destacaram quanto à adaptabilidade, permitindo maior segurança à empresa na recomendação para diferentes ambientes.

ABSTRACT Forest exploitation is conducted in thousands of hectares in Brazil and presents a wide variation in environmental conditions in terms of soil, climate and even management, so identifying clones that may be recommended for these various conditions is a major challenge. In this recommendation, one important character is the mean annual increment in cellulose (MAICEL). This study aimed to evaluate the interaction of different clones and environments for MAICEL in order to verify whether the origin of clone selection affects their performance in other regions and to identify clones based on adaptability. MAICEL data were used for the evaluation of clones from Suzano S.A. in five environments distributed in the states of Espírito Santo, São Paulo, and Mato Grosso do Sul. Clonal tests were arranged in a randomized block design with plots of one plant. Data on MAICEL of the trees at five years were submitted to analysis of variance per environment and, subsequently, to the joint analysis. The clones x environments interaction was expressive for MAICEL, however, the origin of selection does not affect the performance of clones when grown in other regions. Some clones stood out for their adaptability, allowing more security to the company on the recommendation for different environments.

RESUMO O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de determinar as deformações residuais longitudinais (DRL), decorrentes das tensões de crescimento em árvores em pé e vivas de diferentes clones de Eucalyptus spp. Para tanto, foram selecionados 12 clones do gênero Eucalyptus com nove anos de idade, por meio das maiores áreas basais (G). Foram selecionadas 12 árvores de cada clone, onde foram medidas as variáveis de densidade básica (DB), espessura de casca (EC), diâmetro a altura do peito (DAP) e altura total (H). As medições da DRL foram realizadas, com o auxílio do extensômetro (Growth Strain Gauge), pelo método CIRAD-Forêt. As leituras foram realizadas em quatro posições ao redor do tronco da árvore. Em relação aos níveis das DRL, os resultados obtidos no estudo indicaram que os clones apresentaram grandes variações entre si, apresentando um valor médio considerado elevado quando comparado com resultados encontrados na literatura. O clone 8 se destacou por apresentar os menores níveis de deformação, sendo considerado um material recomendado para programas de melhoramento genético e para produção de madeira sólida. Já o clone 1, apresentou os maiores valores das DRL. Ocorreram variações das DRL, ao longo da circunferência do tronco das árvores, sendo mais acentuadas na linha referente à posição Leste. Analisando as correlações entre as variáveis, verificou-se que as DRL apresentaram correlações significativas com a EC, DAP e o volume total da árvore em pé (VOL)

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine the longitudinal residual strain (DRL) resulting from growth stress in standing trees, in different clones of Eucalyptus spp. Twelve clones of 9-year-Eucalyptus spp. were selected by basal area (G). From each clone, 12 trees of each clone were selected, and the following variables were measured: basic density (DB), bark thickness (EC), diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height (H). The measurements of DRL were performed in living trees, using an extensometer (Growth Strain Gauge), according to the CIRAD-Fôret method. Readings were taken at four locations around the tree trunk. In relation to the levels of DRL, the results obtained in the study indicated that the clones showed large variations among themselves, presenting values considered high ones when compared with the results found in literature. The clone 8 was distinguished by having the lowest levels of strain and was considered as a suitable and recommended material for the production of solid wood and for breeding programs. On the other hand, the clone 1 showed the highest values of the DRL. There were variations in the DRL, along the circumference of the trunk of trees, and it was more pronounced in the East heading line. Analyzing the correlations between variables, it was found that the DRL values were significantly correlated with EC, DAP and the standing tree volume (VOL).

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar combinações híbridas superiores nos cruzamentos entre clones-elite de Eucalyptus grandis, E. urophylla e E. saligna com clones-elite de E. camaldulensis da Aracruz Celulose S.A., por meio de cruzamentos dialélicos parciais. Para isso, as 44 combinações híbridas obtidas e mais quatro testemunhas foram plantadas de setembro a outubro de 2001, em três localidades: Aracruz, ES; São Mateus, ES; e Caravelas, BA, no delineamento de blocos casualizados com 40 repetições e uma planta por parcela. Dois anos após o plantio, foram avaliadas a circunferência à altura do peito (CAP) e a densidade básica da madeira (DEN). Os dados médios foram submetidos à análise dialélica segundo o método de Griffing (1956), adaptado por Geraldi e Miranda Filho (1988). Constatou-se que muitos híbridos foram promissores tanto para a obtenção de ganhos em CAP quanto para obter a densidade da madeira, pois associaram média e variância altas. A maior parte da variação entre os híbridos foi explicada pela capacidade geral de combinação, indicando a predominância de efeitos aditivos no controle dos caracteres.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the hybrid potential between E. grandis, E. urophylla and E. saligna clones from Aracruz Celulose S. A. with E. camaldulensis clones. To do so, six elite clones were crossed with ten E. camaldulensis clones, in a half-diallel mating design. The resulting hybrid combinations as well as the four check clones were carried out from September to October 2001, in three sites, Aracruz and São Mateus, in the Espírito Santo State, and Caravelas, Bahia State, in a completely randomized block design with single plant plots and 40 replicates. Two years later, the circumference at breast height and the wood basic density were measured. The means were submitted to a diallel analysis, according to the Griffing (1956) method, adapted by Geraldi and Miranda Filho (1988). It was observed that the diallel crossings were promising for both the wood volume and wood quality gain. The general combining ability was responsible for most of the variations between the hybrids.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial dos marcadores microssatélites em predizer o comportamento dos híbridos entre clones-elite de eucalipto da empresa Aracruz Celulose. Foram utilizados 21 clones-elite, cruzados conforme o esquema de dialelo balanceado. Os 137 híbridos obtidos, além dos 21 pais e 11 híbridos repetidos, foram avaliados em três locais: Aracruz, São Mateus e Caravelas, em delineamento de blocos incompletos 13x13 com 40 repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas de uma planta, espaçadas 3x3 m. Os caracteres circunferência à altura do peito (CAP) e densidade básica da madeira foram avaliados aos dois anos de idade. Os dados foram submetidos à análise dialélica e, posteriormente, foi obtida a correlação entre a divergência genética dos genitores, obtida por meio dos marcadores microssatélites, e as estimativas dos parâmetros do dialelo. A divergência genética apresentou coeficientes de correlação significativos apenas com a capacidade específica de combinação para CAP e com a média dos híbridos para CAP. A predição por meio de marcadores microssatélites possui baixa precisão para poder ser utilizada em substituição aos cruzamentos dialélicos.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of microsatellite markers to predict the performance of hybrids among elite clones of eucalypt from Aracruz Celulose. Twenty one elite clones were crossed in a full-diallel mating scheme. One hundred and thirty seven hybrids, 21 parents and 11 repeated hybrids were evaluated in three sites: Aracruz, São Mateus and Caravelas, in an experimental design of incomplete blocks 13x13 with 40 replicates, comprising single plant plot and spaced 3x3 m. The characters evaluated were the circumference at breast height (CBH) and the wood basic density, two years after the planting. Means were submitted to diallel analysis and, later, the correlation between the genetic divergence of parents by microsatellite markers and the estimative of diallel parameters were obtained. The genetic divergence was correlated with the specific combining ability to CBH height and with the means of hybrids to the same character. The other coefficients of correlation with the genetic divergence were not significantly different from zero. The prediction by microsatellite markers is of little accuracy to be utilized in place of diallel estimates.

In Brazil, eucalyptus breeding programs for cellulose production has used two species, Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus urophylla. Nevertheless, it would be useful to introgress alleles from other species to improve wood quality and volume. The objective of this research was to evaluate the hybrid potential of elite clones of E. grandis and E. urophylla from the Aracruz Celulose Company S. A. with Eucalyptus globulus clones. To do so, six elite clones were crossed with ten E. globulus clones in a half-diallel mating design. The resulting hybrid combinations as well as the four check clones were evaluated in randomized complete block experiments with single plant plots and 40 replicates from September to October 2001 at three Brazilian sites, Aracruz and São Mateus in the Espírito Santo state and Caravelas in Bahia State. Two years later the circumference at breast height (CBH) and the wood density (WD) were measured. The means were submitted to diallel analysis according to the Griffing method (1956), adapted by Geraldi and Miranda Filho (1988). Although the number of clones involved was small, the crossings of elite clones of E. grandis and E. urophylla with clones of E. globulus were promising, especially for wood quality gains.

This paper reports the effects of three cycles of reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) on the means, genetic variances, and on the genetic correlations for several traits in the IG-1 and IG-2 maize (Zea mays L.) populations. Interpopulation full-sib progenies from cycle zero (C0) and from cycle 3 (C3) of RRS were evaluated in two locations. RRS was highly effective to improve the traits according the objectives of the program: grain yield and prolificacy increased significantly, while plant height, ear height, and ear placement decreased significantly. Genetic variances for all traits decreased significantly from C0 to C3, but the genetic correlations did not change consistently across the cycles of selection. The expected responses to the fourth cycle of RRS and the probability of selecting double-crosses from C3 that outperform those from C0 showed that the decreases in the genetic variances were not great enough to limit the continued improvement of the populations as well as the use of the improved populations as sources of inbred lines to develop commercial hybrids. However, if the magnitudes of the genetic variances continue to decrease, new sources of improved germplasm should be incorporated into both populations to allow the continued improvement of the interpopulation by RRS.

No melhoramento de milho (Zea mays L.), a utilização de cruzamentos dialélicos visando identificação de combinações superiores é uma prática comum. Esta metodologia visa estimar a capacidade de combinação dos materiais avaliados. Neste trabalho, cinco linhagens endogâmicas foram avaliadas quanto às capacidades gerais (CGC) e específica (CEC) de combinação, utilizando o esquema de dialelo completo. Os híbridos simples produzidos entre estas linhagens foram avaliados em sete ambientes, juntamente com duas testemunhas, tendo-se utilizado o delineamento de blocos casualizados. Avaliaram-se os caracteres: produção de grãos, altura da planta, altura da espiga, posição relativa da espiga e prolificidade. Realizou-se a análise dialélica, seguindo uma adaptação do método IV de Griffing, além das análises de estabilidade e adaptabilidade dos híbridos. Detectaram-se diferenças significativas para tratamentos e ambientes para todos os caracteres. A interação genótipos por ambientes foi significativa para maioria dos caracteres. As CGCs foram significativas para todos os caracteres, enquanto que a CEC foi não significativa apenas para posição relativa da espiga. Para o caráter produção de grãos, tanto os efeitos aditivos (CGC) quanto não aditivos (CEC) foram importantes, enquanto que para os demais caracteres, houve predominância dos efeitos aditivos. O híbrido mais produtivo foi obtido entre as linhagens L-08-05F e L-38-05D. Suas linhagens apresentaram elevadas CGCs e seu híbrido, elevada CEC, além de ter sido responsivo à melhoria das condições ambientais e razoavelmente estável. O segundo híbrido mais produtivo, L-46-10D x L-08-05F, mostrou ampla adaptabilidade e estabilidade.

The utilization of diallel crosses for identification of superior combinations is a common practice in maize (Zea mays L.) breeding programs. This methodology allows the estimation of the combining ability of genotypes being evaluated. In this work, five inbred lines were evaluated as to their general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities, by using a complete diallel scheme. The single-crosses produced between these inbred lines were evaluated in seven environments, along with two checks, by using a randomized complete block design. Traits analized were: grain yield, plant height, ear height, ear placement, and prolificacy. A diallel analysis was carried out, following an adaptation of Griffing's method IV, in addition to hybrid stability and adaptability analyses. Significant differences were detected for entries and environments for all traits. The interaction genotype vs. environment was significant for all traits. GCA's were significant for all traits, while SCA's were non-significant only for ear placement. For grain yield, both additive (GCA) and non-additive (SCA) effects were important, while for the remaining traits additive effects were more important. The high yielding single-cross was obtained from the cross of lines L-08-05F and L-38-05D. Those inbred lines showed higher GCA's and their cross also had high SCA; also, it is responsive to environment improvements and reasonably stable. The second in rank high yielding single-cross, L-46-10D x L-08-05F, showed wide adaptability and stability.