The selection made by multi-effects index has grounds for one index that considers simultaneously individual and their family behavior, as well as the plot effect where the individual was planted. The objective of this work was to evaluate genetic parameters in an acerola population and to compare genetic gains through six selection methods. The experiment was settled under a randomized complete block experimental design, with 62 progenies, three repetitions and four plants per plot. The traits evaluated were: plant height, and stalk diameter at first, second and third years of plant ages; canopy diameter at second and third years; and fruit yield by a period of one year with weekly harvest. The genetics parameters estimated to population pointed out favorable conditions to selection by the heritability of moderate magnitudes. The selection based on multi-effects index was positive, so it gives a bigger genetic gain and high accuracy than among and within progenies selection, parental selection based on progenies behavior and individual selection.
Malpighia emarginata; progeny; selection; genetic gain
