Eucalyptus breeding programs: a proposal for the use of inbred progenies

Abstract

Background: This review aims to discuss alternatives for obtaining new clones of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) with greater efficiency than current methods, as well as the feasibility of obtaining hybrid seeds. The commercial-scale use of eucalyptus hybrid seeds may reduce implantation costs and bring other advantages for forest exploitation. The proposal focuses on using inbred progenies (S1 , S2 ...Sg) to improve the species. Self-fertilization releases a greater proportion of undesirable alleles hidden in heterozygotes, increasing selection success. Results: From the best individuals of the inbred progenies, full-sibs (FS) progenies will be developed, allowing the selection of new clones and conduct recurrent selection programs. The hybrid seeds must be obtained, also from the FS evaluations, in each selfing generation (Sg x Sg). Simultaneously with the conduction of inbreeding generations, information must be gathered aiming to implement the strategy for obtaining hybrid seeds, such as verifying the feasibility of generating double haploid lines and looking for alternatives to facilitate the large-scale production of hybrid seeds. Conclusion: this review of research results can serve as an initial basis for obtaining new clones of eucalyptus with greater efficiency than current methods, as well as the feasibility of obtaining hybrid seeds.