Since 1996, plants were selected and genetic parameters estimated in 64 second selection cycle progenies as part of an acerola population improvement program of Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical. The variance components, genetic parameters and genetic values were obtained by the individual REML/BLUP procedure. Results indicate that plant selection based on only one fruit harvest is not advisable. The selection encompassed 39% of the progenies (selection among progenies) and 11% of the plants

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... tion within progenies) . This led to the selection of the best 25 progenies for the traits yield, vitamin C, total soluble solids and mean fruit size. In the end, 38 plants were selected and vegetatively propagated to establish a seed orchard to supply commercial seed.