Genetic variation in Astronium fraxinifolium populations in consortium

Two progeny tests of two goncalo-alves (Astronium fraxinifolium) populations were evaluated in March 1996 at Selviria, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. A randomized complete block design with 30 treatments (progenies) and five replications was used. Plots were formed by 10 plants arranged in a alternate single rows. Spacing was 3.0m between plants within rows and between rows. Data on 10 silvicultural traits were obtained to help in “ex situ” efforts of genetic conservation of the species. The progenies had excellent performance in the used growing system. Both populations presented genetic variability for all analyzed traits, although no significant difference between the populations was detected. It is therefore recommended that both populations be considered as a single population for “ex situ” genetic conservation purposes. In a genetic breeding program involving those populations, plant height is the trait with greater chances of obtaining the selection gain in level of average of families.