GENETIC-VARIATION IN HEIGHT GROWTH AND LEAF COLOR OF EUCALYPTUS-DEGLUPTA BLUME AT AGES UP TO 16 MONTHS IN COSTA-RICA

Results of three progeny tests of Eucalyptus deglupta in Costa Rica ar e described and discussed. High levels of additive genetic variation w ere found in height growth up to 16 months. Heritabilities were within the range typically found in forest trees. High levels of additive ge netic variation and family heritabilities in leaf colour were also fou nd. Purple leaves were associated with slow growth, and green leaves w ith fast growth. The best families showed a high degree of stability a cross the three sites, Predicted genetic gain from directed seed colle ctions of the best mother-trees ranged from 12.4 to 15.8%.