The objective of this study was to compare the genetic gain estimates obtained by different selection strategies for identification of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla genotypes with specific environmental adaptation. The genetic progress obtained by mass selection, stratified mass selection, selection among and within families and combined selection was evaluated in three contrasting environments. Variance analysis showed a significant difference at 1% of probability according to the F test among the different genotypes evaluated in these three environments. This genetic divergence was observed in all the evaluated traits: diameter at breast height, plant height and wood volume, allowing inferring the existence of genetic variability among families. The hybrid population studied presents good yield potential and genetic variability to be explored by selection. The selection methods showed similar estimates of genetic progress, supporting the decision to use the most practical strategies.
Eucalyptus; selection; genetic improvement
