Growth and survival of Enterolobium cyclocarpum provenances on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

Enterolobium cyclocarpum is a multiuse-tropical tree whose growth and survival from different origins are not known in specific sites. The objective was to evaluate the differences in initial growth and survival of the provenances between and within the sites and the genotype x environment interaction in two sites on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. The plants were grown in a nursery for six months before planting. Annual periodic increment of basal diameter and height and crown diameter were measured. In addition, the number of bifurcations and survival were determined two years after planting. The differences in precipitation and soil properties (chemical and physical) of the sites caused differences of increment. All the variables had higher values in the site Pinotepa de Don Luis than in Valdeflores, except annual periodic increment of height and survival. In Pinotepa de Don Luis, the trees from local provenance had higher increment of basal diameter, height and crown diameter. In Valdeflores, the closest provenance (Colotepec) showed superior increments in basal diameter and crown diameter. Low values of type B genetic correlation indicated high genotype x environment interaction. The provenances were more unstable in height growth and number of bifurcations. The genotype x environment interaction limits the selection of a provenance to establish in both environments; therefore, the provenance to be planted depends on the environment and the objective. The results allow recommending the use of local provenances or those closer to the plantation site.