Estimates of genetic parameters based on reproductive and fruit biometric traits of babassu (Attalea speciosa Mart.) populations in Maranhão State, Brazil

Abstract

Babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) is a native species from the Cerrado-Amazon transition zone with socio-economic importance for agro-extractivist communities in Northeastern Brazil that rely on products derived from its fruits. Babassu productivity is declining due to unsustainable practices and habitat loss. Hence, this research aimed to estimate genetic parameters related to fruit traits of babassu and indicate superior populations for coconut mesocarp production. Babassu trees and fruits were sampled from natural populations in five cities of Maranhão State-Brazil, totaling 150 individuals and 1,500 fruits. The number of bunches and fruits per plant, plant and stipe height, and various fruit and seed morphological traits were measured and used for estimating genetic parameters by the REML/BLUP method with Selegen Software. Fruit width, fruit weight, and mesocarp weight showed high broad-sense heritability and accuracy, suggesting a strong genetic influence and making them excellent candidates for genetic improvement. The high coefficients of relative variation are suitable for selecting promising babassu genotypes. Babassu fruits sampled on Coroatá and Buritirana had the best characteristics for fruit and mesocarp production. We found significant genotypic correlations between various fruit traits (size and weight) that can simplify the selection of high-yield genotypes. Our results are the first report on genetic parameters of important babassu fruit traits, providing valuable data for future breeding programs aiming to increase productivity. © 2025, Federal University of Lavras. All rights reserved.