Estimativa de parâmetros genéticos em caracteres morfológicos de plantas do Banco Base de Germoplasma de Astrocaryum aculeatum G.Mey. no Amazonas, Brasil

Abstract

The Amazonian tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum Meyer) is a native palm of great socioeconomic and ecological importance, used for food and in agroforestry systems, but still little studied in genetic improvement programs. This work aimed to evaluate morphological and genetic parameters of progenies from the base population of A. aculeatum, aiming to identify variability and estimate the selection potential of superior genotypes to support domestication and cultivation strategies. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental, in a randomized block design, with 29 progenies and two blocks, totaling 432 plants. Seven morphological characters were evaluated, and statistical analyses of normality, variance, heritability, genetic and environmental correlations, as well as estimates of selection gains, were performed using the GENES software. The results showed significant genetic variability for DBH (diameter at breast height), number of internodes with thorns, stem height, and number of leaves, with heritability ranging from 38.87% to 84.48%, considered medium to high for the main traits. Genetic correlations showed high magnitude and favorable direction, indicating the efficiency of indirect selection. Selection gains were more significant for DBH, NoCEsp (number of spiny internodes), and Hestipe (height of the stem), highlighting progenies originating from Manaus and other locations as superior. It is concluded that the base population presents high genetic variability and significant heritability in key traits, confirming the species' breeding potential. Direct selection has allowed the identification of promising progenies, highlighting prospects for the domestication of the Amazonian tucumã palm and for the formation of more productive cultivated populations adapted to agricultural management conditions, contributing to reducing dependence on extractive activities and strengthening the sustainable development of the Amazon region.