Selection index via REML/ BLUP for identifying superior banana genotypes in the central region of Goiás state, Brazil

ABSTRACT This study had the aim of evaluating 15 agronomic characters of 23 banana genotypes of the Cavendish, Prata, Prata-Ana, Pacovan, Mysore and Maca groups, in three production cycles, in the climatic conditions of the central region of Goias state, Brazil, identifying superior cultivars. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design, with replicates varying from 3 to 18 clones according to the availability of seedlings. Because of the unbalanced data, the components of variance were estimated using the mixed model methodology. In order to identify the superior genotypes, the predicted mean genotypic values ​​were taken into account. The FHIA-02 (Cavendish group), PA42-44 (Prata Ana group) and FHIA-18 (Prata Ana group) genotypes presented the highest flowering precocity. The Bucanero, FHIA-17 (Cavendish group) and Grande Naine genotypes were the most productive. The Grande Naine, FHIA-17 and FHIA-02 genotypes presented the lowest sizes, and the FHIA-17, Bucanero and PV79-34 (Hybrid Pacovan) genotypes the largest pseudo stems circumferences. The genotypes with the lowest mortality rates were the Pacovan, Garantida (group Prata) and Calipso. Based on the multi-trait selection index, it was concluded that the FHIA-17, Grande Naine, Bucanero, and FHIA-02 genotypes were the most promising cultivars for production in the central region of Goias due to their agronomic characters and high yield.