Identification of genomic regions related to early flowering in Eucalyptus

Background The genus Eucalyptus is the most important planted tree to the Brazilian economy. Besides being a source of timber, its wood pulp is mostly used for papermaking. There is a considerable interest in its genetic improvement due to the economic importance of the gender to forestry companies. The time required to obtain ideal populations, after selective breeding, is a limiting factor of classical breeding in these species. However, the breeding program of Suzano Papel & Celulose company obtained a plant of E. grandis with the early flowering character, whose first flowering took place between 60 and 90 days. This plant was grown and its seeds were collected and germinated. Progeny segregated for early flowering after approximately 60 to 90 days.