Abstract

The annual yield of kernels in a population of macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia MAIDEN and BETCHE) were assessed with the aims of identifying the best genotypes relative to this trait to establish a base population for breeding program and focusing in the macadamia crop yield increase. Kernel production from 46 plants of 23 genotypes at different ages was analyzed using mixed models with REML/BLUP methodology by WOMBAT software. Age of the plant has direct and significant association with the production during the juvenile period. Estimated heritability was low. The genotypes IAC-920, HAES 741-MAUKA, HAES 344-KAU and AFRICANA are highlighted by different selection strategies, weighted by genotypic and/or phenotypic value. By the first criterion it was also stand out the genotypes HAES 791, GUARANI I, HAES 816, PALMEIRAS, IAC-412-B, GUARANI II, 772, DOROTHY and FLOR ROSA MG and the genotype IAC-412-B by the second criterion of selection. These results of this study demonstrate the importance of using BLUP predictors as a tool for breeding programs in this case study.

Key words: Macadamia integrifolia, genotypic value, yield, kernel, REML/BLUP.