Selection of eucalyptus hybrid clones planted in Brazil for growth and wood quality

This study was conducted to assess clones of hybrids eucalyptus to quantify the genetic gain from growth and wood quality selection traits. The analysis assessed 29 clones of hybrids eucalyptus previously selected from a clonal test, and differing in growth. Wood quality was assessed by longitudinal residual stress (LRS), volume without bark ( V wb), weighted basic density ( ρ weigh ), log end splitting index (LSI), variance components estimation and genetic gains from the selection. The eucalyptus clones differed for wood quality. Selection for trait combination resulted in reduced genetic gain for LRS, with 11.7%, and LSI, with 36.5%, and increased genetic gain for V wb, with 2.2%, and for ρ weigh , with 9.8%. Superior eucalyptus clones can be identified to contribute to genetic improvement programs for quality wood production.