ARTICLE - Estimation of genetic parameters and selection of Brachiaria humidicola progenies using a selection index

The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for agronomic and nutritive value traits for leaves andstems of Brachiaria humidicola progenies and to compare the selection using an additive index considering the agronomic traits aloneor combined with the main nutritive value traits. Fifty progenies of the cross cv. BRS Tupi x H31 were evaluated. The experiment wasarranged in a randomized block design with eight replications. The forage was cut seven times, at intervals of 30 - 35 days in therainy season and two intervals of 60 days in the dry season. Trait variability among the progenies was confirmed. The mean progenyheritability ranged from 49.14% to 75.56% for the agronomic and from 19.59% to 71.11% for nutritive value traits. Nine of the tenbest lines coincided in the selection for agronomic traits alone and in the selection including the main traits of nutritive value.