This research aimed to evaluate the behavior of twenty eight F3 progenies of arabica coffee obtained from crosses between Catuaí cultivar and the Híbrido de Timor descents, done by Epamig in association with UFV. Genetic parameters and correlation coefficients among agronomic traits were estimated in order to know the genetic structure and the potential of the population for breeding programs. The experiment was set up in Patrocínio (MG), using randomized block design. Yields of first initial harvests (from 1997 to 2000) and some vegetative traits were analyzed. The progenies presented average yield of coffee beans higher than the control and a high genetic variability, suggesting the possibility of obtaining superior inbred lines. The progenies evaluated were resistant to the races of leaf rust present in the field. The progeny 505-9-2 is productive, vigorous and tall, while the progenies 514-7-10 and 514-7-6 are productive, vigorous and dwarf, similar to the Catuaí cultivar. Bean yield showed high positive genotypic correlations with plant vigor, plant size, plant height, stem diameter and plant diameter. Annual yields showed to be correlated with total yield of four years only after the second productive year.
Coffea arabica L.; breeding; Híbrido de Timor; genotypic correlations
