Genetic variation among and within Quercus suber L. populations in survival, growth, vigor and plant architecture traits

Abstract Cork oak is an important forest tree species in the Western Mediterranean region due to high economic value of its renewable cork and ecological social services. However, studies regarding genetic variation within populations are scarce, this gap knowledge contributing delay set-up a breeding conservation strategy for species. In study, fitness (survival, height, stem diameter) plant architecture traits (apical dominance, straightness, inclination degree, branchiness), vigor was evaluated among two progeny field trials established Portugal. Measurements were carried out each trial different periods: ages 9 14 years at Monte da Fava 8 Herdade Caniceira trial. A significant detected survival, growth, form (stem straightness inclination). Growth presented values heritability estimates family mean level (?0.75), gains obtained when families with superior growth selected. Additionally, results highlighted that early selection performance could be performed, it possible achieve improvement both simultaneously, implications on profitability sustainability stands.