The objective of this study was the selection of superior genotypes for growth traits, correlating them to initial height growth in the field, at age eight months. A random block design was used in the nursery, with eight clones, three replicates and four plants per plot. And a random block design was also used in the field, with eight clones, four replicate blocks and nine plants per plot. Data being analyzed in the nursery at age 120 days included: height of field seedling, at age eight months (Hc), height of nursery seedling (Hm), root collar diameter (Dc), shoot diameter (Db), shoot dry matter (PMSPA), root dry matter (PMSR), total dry matter (PMST), ratio of shoot dry matter to root dry matter (PMSPA/PMSR), Dickson quality index of root collar diameter (IQD-Dc), Dickson quality index of shoot diameter (IQD-Db). Analyses of variance showed that significant genetic differences exist among clones for all traits and, given the high heritability values found, the estimated genetic gains were generically very high. As for predicted indirect genetic gain, selection in nursery seedlings for Dc, PMSPA/PMSR, IQD-Dc provided the highest values of indirect gain in field seedling height.
Initial growth of seedlings; genetics; forest improvement