Seed germination and estimates of genetic parameters of promising macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata) progenies for biofuel production

• Published in: Industrial crops and products 2013-11, Vol.51, p.258-266
• Main Authors: Berton, Luiz Henrique Chorfi, de Azevedo Filho, Joaquim Adelino, Siqueira, Walter José, Colombo, Carlos Augusto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acrocomia aculeata; analysis of variance; Bags; Biodiesel; Correlations; early development; genetic correlation; Genetic diversity; Genetic gains; Genetic improvement; genetic variation; Genetics; Germination; greenhouses; Heritability; Leaves; Mathematical analysis; Oil palm; Palm; plastic bags; Progeny; seed germination; seedlings; Seeds; sowing; vigor
• ISSN: 0926-6690; 1872-633X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2013.09.012

•The germination and the vigor of seedlings were studied in Acrocomia aculeata.•The average percentage of germination was 59% (19–98%).•Variability was observed among populations for all vegetative characters.•Positive genetic correlations and high heritability were observed to all traits.•Is possible the selection of superior progenies to crop breeding. The percentage and speed of germination and the vigor of Acrocomia aculeata seedlings during early development can be important for obtaining seedlings for the commercial cultivation of this palm. Thus, the variation in germination and vegetative traits was studied in 63 A. aculeata half-sib progenies considered promising for biodiesel production, which originated from natural populations in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais. The seeds were weighed on an analytical balance and subsequently received pre-germination treatments. A randomized block design was employed at sowing, with two replicates and plots of 128 seeds. The traits evaluated were germination percentage and germination speed index. After germination and seedling transplantation to plastic bags in agricultural greenhouse conditions, the following biometric traits were measured: plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter and number of spines. Analysis of variance was performed, means were tested, and the heritability and correlation between traits were calculated for all evaluated traits. The mean germination percentage obtained was 59.07%, ranging from 19.14% to 98.64%. The mean germination speed index was 1.51, ranging from 0.34 to 3.39. Positive genetic correlations were observed for all traits, as well as high heritability. The evaluated A. aculeata progenies showed great genetic variability, demonstrating that successful selection of superior progenies is possible.