Genetic improvement of the seringueira (Hevea spp.) for the state of São Paulo

Abstract

Considering the wide expansion of hevea cultivation in the state, based on a few clones subject to the risk of genetic vulnerability, combined with the desire of the rubber tree cultivators for materials superior to those available, better adapted to the edafoclimatic and technological conditions of the state, the present thematic project aims to give continuity to the program of genetic improvement of the seringueira tree currently being led by the Institute of Agronomy for the State of São Paulo. To obtain new superior clones for recommendation on a large scale is based on an improvement program of three cycles of selection involving progeny tests, experiments to evaluate clones on a small scale and evaluation of clones on a large scale. In total, the project includes 22 experiments involving an area of 57.3 hectares distributed in the regions of the table-land and the coast of the State, and support activities including a collection of germplasm, pollenization garden and grafting hothouse covering an area of 8 hectares. (AU)