The knowledge of the genetics correlations among the main characters used in plant breeding helps to elaborate optimized strategies of selection. The procedure of path analysis allows refining these correlations and partitioning them into direct and indirect effects on a main variable. The objective of this study was to partition the genetic correlations of traits concerning to bunch and yield of half-sib progenies into direct and indirect effects on total fruit production. It was installed an experiment with 25 half-sib progenies in random blocks with four repetitions and linear plots of five plants. The data obtained over the crop years 2005, 2006 and 2007 was analyzed by mixed models approach and genetics correlations submitted to path analysis. The fruits production showed correlation with number of months in production, total number of bunch, fruit weight per bunch and number of rachilles per bunch. However, by path analysis, the main determinants characters of variation on fruit production of assai palm were fruits weight per bunch, number of bunches and number of rachilles per bunch. Among these characters, the number of rachilles per bunch is less affected by the environment, and therefore, is the most promising for indirect gains in total fruit production.
Euterpe oleracea; direct and indirect effects; indirect selection
