Baru seedlings originated from seeds collected from 21 open-pollinated progenies were used in Capinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in order to estimate genetic parameters concerning the quality of their root system. Forty-five days after germination, the root images of twenty seedlings of each progeny were obtained using an optical scanner. The analysis of variance showed significant variation among progenies in total root length, root volume, average diameter and the number of fine roots. The analysis showed high heritability and genetic variation, indicating that high genetics gains are possible to be obtained by means of mother-tree selections.
Progenies selection; optical scanner and genetic gain
