This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters and to select genotypes of forage peanut with greater ground cover and aerial biomass production during establishment period in the environmental conditions of Acre. The experiment was planted in December/2005, in a randomized block with four repetitions. Twenty one genotypes of forage peanut were evaluated, including three cultivars: Amarillo, Alqueire 1, and Belmonte. Genotype selection was based on ground cover and dry matter production. The ground cover evaluations took place between January and October 2006, at intervals of approximately four weeks. The dry matter production was measured 304 days after planting. The variance components were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood Method (REML) and genotypic values were predicted by Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP), according the methodology of mixed models. Presence of genetic variability was verified for both traits. Individual heritabilities in the wide sense were of medium magnitude, presenting values of 0.36 to 0.58 for the traits ground cover and dry matter production, respectively. The largest variability among genotypes for ground cover occurred between the 12th and 16th week after planting, indicating that this interval is the most appropriate to select genotypes that cover the ground more quickly. Genotypic values for dry matter production ranged from 1,609 to 4,132 kg/ha for genotypes BRA 015083 and BRA 040550, respectively. The genotypes selected for greater ground cover and aerial biomass production during establishment period were Belmonte, Amarillo, BRA 040550, BRA 039187, Alqueire 1, BRA 039799 and BRA 035033.
Arachis; BLUP; forage legumes; genetic parameters; longitudinal data; REML
