GENETIC PROGRESS ESTIMATES OBTAINED BY TH E EPAMIG PADDY RICE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM IN THE EIGHTIES

This study was performed aiming to estimate genetic progress accomplis hed by the paddy rice improvement program in Minas Gerais State, in th e eighties. Data (average grain yield) were obtained from cultivars an d pure lines from advanced comparative trials at EPAMIG from 1979/80 t o 1988/89. Total genetic gain was 742,1 kg/ha, which gives an average annual gain of 1,6%. Some alternatives to improve the Minas Gerais pro gram are suggested.