Half-sib progenies of Sclerolobium paniculatum Vogel, with four years of age, were analyzed to determine the existence and magnitude of their genetic variability, for the growth characters height, diameter at breast height, survival, number of stems and biomass. Ten replications were used in a randomized block design with 21 treatments (progenies), with the experimental parcels represented by five plants spaced at 3 x 3 m, planted at the Agroforestry Research Center of Amapá, Amapá, Brazil. Highly significant genetic variation among progenies was found for all the studied characters. In general the heritability coefficients at the mean family level showed superiority to the other types. The estimates of genetic gain due to selection among and within progenies showed significant genetic progress for all characters. The genetic progress of selection within families provided larger gains than the selection among families.
genetic gain; plant breeding; heritability; growth; genetic variability