Early Evaluation of Maesopsis eminii Engl. In a Progeny Trial at 5 Years-Old

Abstract

Maesopsis eminii is a fast growing tree species commonly found in community-forest. Due to its economic and ecological significance, breeding program of this species has been initiated. The objectives of this research were: i) to estimate the genetic parameters of the progeny trial including genetic gain and ii) to determine correlation between wood quality traits (based on non-destructive test) and growth traits. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) were used consisting of 100 families replicated in 8 blocks for evaluating growth traits and their associated genetic parameters (Experiment-I), while Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 treatments, i.e. fast, moderate and slow tree growths and 16 replicates were used for determining wood quality traits (Experiment-II). There was a fluctuation in terms of values of genetic parameters; it was high during the early growth, significantly decreased in the middle, then increased and reached stability at later growth stages. Consistencies of genetic parameters value (H2 and rg) were given by growth increments 41 and 56 months, namely: ΔD41, ΔT41, ΔV41 and ΔD56, ΔT56, ΔV56. Highest genetic gain (ΔG) was expected by ΔD56 - ΔV56 (14.2%) based on indirect selection method. A negative correlation between a wood quality trait (MOEd) and a growth trait (tree volume) was observed with a value of (r = -0.246). The results also would imply that the recommended genetic selection, i.e. roguing, that is best carried out by using indirect-method based on measurement of diameter (dbh) as main criteria.