Phenotypic selection of pequi trees (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess.) based on fruit production traits over different harvest seasons

Abstract

The objective of the study was to increase the efficiency of phenotypic selection of promising genotypes for fruit and pyrene production in pequi trees (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess.), considering data from different harvest seasons. The number of fruits, the number of pyrenes, and the number of pyrenes per fruit were evaluated in 56 genotypes over four harvest seasons (2020–2023) in an experimental plantation established in 1999, in the Federal District (Brazil). Annual fruit production in each quadrant of the canopy, total plant height, trunk base diameter, and canopy area were recorded. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to assess differences in fruit production among years, genotypes, and quadrants (5% significance level). Repeatability coefficients (r) were estimated for the production-related traits, as well as the number of years needed for efficient phenotypic evaluation. There was high variability in fruit production both between genotypes and over years. Four genotypes exhibited notable productive potential. The repeatability analysis suggested that three years would be necessary for initial evaluations with 0.80 of accuracy, while four years would provide greater precision, with 0.85 accuracy. Although total production estimates based solely on fruit counts by quadrant showed low accuracy for individual genotypes, this approach could be utilized for total production estimates when assessing a large stand of plants. Canopy area showed a significant correlation with fruit production.