This study aimed at the genetic evaluation of growth of the best erva-mate progenies derived from native individual selected at the Indian reserve in Caarapó, Mato Grosso do Sul State. Experimental design of the progeny test was randomized blocks with 30 treatments, 5 replicates and 10 plants per plot in single rows at 3 x 2 m spacing. Fourteen months old, progenies were evaluated for height and diameter of seedlings. Restrict individual heritability were of medium and high magnitudes (0.15 and 0.28) for height and diameter respectively. Estimated genetic gains with individual selection ranged from 5.23 to 8.51 cm for height and from 2.08 to 3.15 mm for diameter. Predicted genetic values with sexual and asexual propagation indicate better gain potentials for the latter. Evaluation overlapping generations indicate that individuals from current generation tend to be better than the ones from the preceding generation.
Ilex paraguariensis; genetic variability; progenies; genetic gains
