This study investigated the genetic variability in progenies of Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden for resistance against rust (Puccinia psidii). Field experiments were installed in two regions with differentsoil-climatic conditions. Open-pollinated progenies were established in arandomized complete block design. Sixty and 48 progenies were evaluated underfield conditions at two sites, respectively, with six replications and eight trees per plot. In another experiment in a controlled environment, 53 progenies were evaluated in randomized blocks with six replications and nine plants perplot. The following traits were evaluated: plant height, severity of pestattack and the most susceptible stage to the leaf disease. The genetic variability for rust resistance in the E. dunnii population under studywas high, with a genetic coefficient of variation of 36.07%; 7% of thee valuated progenies were rust-resistant. It indicates a high potential for selection and breeding of the species.
Eucalyptus; genetic parameters; progeny testing; forest breeding
