STUDI PARAMETER GENETIKA PADA UJI KETURUNAN POHON MALAPARI (Pongamia pinnata (L.)Pierre) UMUR 4 TAHUN DI WONOGIRI, JAWA TENGAH

Malapari (Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre) is a leguminous tree species that grows in tropical and subtropical regions and is classified as a fast-growing species naturally distributed at elevations ranging from 0 to 1,200 meters above sea level. The oil content of Malapari makes it a promising feedstock for biofuel production, particularly biodiesel and bio-jet fuel. To improve fruit productivity and oil yield, tree breeding programs are required to develop superior seeds and elite genetic materials for commercial plantation purposes. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters as a basis for selection in tree breeding programs to improve genetic quality. The research was conducted from May to July 2024 at the KHDTK Wonogiri, Central Java. Variance component analysis was performed using two approaches, namely plot mean data analysis and individual tree data analysis. The experimental design employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six replications, 48 families, and three-tree plots. Data analysis methods included analyses of genetic variation, heritability, genetic gain, and genetic correlation. Measurements were carried out on height, diameter, and number of stems to estimate genetic parameter values. The results of the plot mean data analysis indicated the presence of genetic variation in height and diameter traits, whereas the individual tree data analysis showed genetic variation only in the diameter trait. The height trait exhibited a strong genotype × environment interaction. Heritability estimates ranged from low to moderate, with family heritability (h²f) values of 0.30, 0.36, and 0.24, while individual heritability (h²i) values were 0.06, 0.11, and 0.05 for height, diameter, and number of stems, respectively. The estimated genetic gain for diameter obtained through family selection produced the highest genetic gain (20.05%) compared with individual selection, using a selection intensity of 30 families out of the 48 families tested. The genetic correlation between height and diameter was positive and high (0.84), indicating that selection of the best families can be focused on the trait that is most efficient to measure while still providing substantial genetic gain.